Madonna books place on space cruise

Madonna has booked a place on Russia's first cruise flight into space, according to reports.

The singer told fans it was her intention to join the planned 2009 launch team during her recent show in the country and has apparently since gone on to secure a place.

"We are so excited to add Madonna to our list of space tourists," a source told the Daily Mail. "She's a great singer and we are sure she will add something to the flight."

A spokesman for the Russian Space Agency added: "Schedules for the flights of so-called space tourists have been approved. Madonna's request will definitely not meet any objections and her representatives can approach us. We hope she'll be on a flight by 2009."

Stars including Aliens actress Sigourney Weaver, meanwhile, have been invited to join Virgin Galactic's first public expedition planned for 2008.