Sarah Brightman’s refusal to go the International Space Station in September 2015 won’t affect the dates of the launch, – spokesman for space industry reported on May 13, 2015.

“That won’t affect Soyuz launch. It was planned for September 1 and it is still being planned for September 1”, – the spokesman stated.

In his turn GCTC head didn’t comment on Sarah Brightman’s refusal to take part in the flight. According to him GCTC hasn’t received official cancellation.

The spokesman reported earlier that due to Sarah’s refusal Soyuz TMA-18M planned to be launched on September 1, 2015, may fly to the ISS with 2 crew members onboard.  “Sarah Brightman’s seat onboard may be vacant since it is a very difficult task to find a person and prepare him or her for the flight in 3 months left for the flight. As a result there is a possibility of Soyuz launch with only two crew members onboard, – the spokesman said.

According to him Brightman’s back-up crew member Japanese entrepreneur Satoshi Takamatsu paid for the trainings only and it is uncertain whether he is going to pay for the flight itself.

The spokesman left open the possibility of one of new Russian cosmonauts going to the ISS instead Brightman. But anyway short-duration flight is hardly to be changed into half-a-year mission, – he noted.

Spokesman specified that Brightman’s decision to cancel the flight was caused by the fact that she couldn’t raise enough money through charity funds.