A tabloid newspaper in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan has been yellow-carded by the government, according to reports emanating from the Associated Press agency. 

The weekly paper, Tasvir, stands accused of having “crossed the line of ethical standards”.  It has run recent articles on sex in space – something we believe not to have occurred – (unlike drinking alcohol in space – a common feature of sixties space travel).

We do however know that harnesses exist in major space programmes which could be used to facilitate such behaviour.  We also know that given the increasing popularity of paid-for space tourism, it cannot be long before the first claimants to membership of the 63-mile high club cannot be far around the corner!

Stories of sex in space have been fuelled by the wife of a rocket scientist, who has written a book on the subject, and gives public talks as an official ambassador for NASA.

Predictions are also being made that the concept of making love with a view of earth in the background will vastly increase the appeal of space tourism, which is becoming more and more affordable.

The authorities claim not to be restricting the freedom of the press, as concerns the 60,000 circulating paper. 

Andy Sardeson