NSYNC in space

The Russian Space Agency has officially asked the International Space Station Multilateral Coordination Board for permission to launch NSYNC singer Lance Bass into space as soon as this Autumn. A NASA spokesperson confirmed the news yesterday, saying, "It's official, he's their candidate. We did indeed receive a letter nominating Lance Bass for the October flight." Bass has already started his preliminary cosmonaut training at Star City, while his backers are still working out the financial details of the business plan to fund his $20 million flight, saying simply that the process is “moving along”. Though contracts have yet to be signed, negotiations for corporate sponsors and a network deal appear to be nearing completion. "As final negotiations continue," MirCorp spokesperson Jeffrey Lenorovitz said, "everything is being left open for Lance to fly. If and when the contract is signed, Lance will still have a chance. The mental approach from the Russians is positive, the whole atmosphere is positive, and people are pulling together. So if the conditions are met, he should have the opportunity to do it. It looks good." The news initially started a campaign to get more boyband stars into space, until it was made clear Bass intends to return to Earth at the end of the mission.