Russia's parliament on Wednesday rejected a proposal to send the celebrated U.S. singer and actress Madonna to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2008. The motion had been introduced by Alexei Mitrofanov, a member of the Duma for the ultra-nationalist LDPR party, saying the trip would be "a serious event" to organize in the same year as presidential elections in the United States and Russia.

Madonna had expressed her desire to go into space and board the ISS, during her first ever Russian concert.

Meanwhile, Mitrofanov is considered as a colorful figure in Russian politics. He gained particular notoriety for co-writing a screenplay for Yulia, a pornographic movie parodying Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Earlier last year, Mitrofanov proposed that the singers from the world-famous Russian pop duo Tatu, whose performances evoke a lesbian theme, be awarded the Order of Friendship.

Madonna has outraged several religious groups in both the United States and Europe by staging a mock crucifixion during her global "Confessions" tour.

The pop diva's Tuesdays' concert at Moscow's Luzhniki Arena, passed off without any serious problems. Reports indicate 7,000 local police officers were on hand in and around the stadium.

Madonna's tour next week takes her to Japan, where she will perform to sold out dates.