Ananova:

A Russian cosmonaut says alcohol should be allowed in space.

Salizhan Sharipov, who has just returned from the International Space Station, said an occasional tipple would help cosmonauts relax.

Speaking at a press conference, Sharipov said it would be 'desirable' to have 50mm of wine or cognac per day.

"But only to improve our work, to better cope with the psychological stress," he said.

Sharipov has been in orbit with Italian and American astronauts since October 2004.

He returned to earth on board a Soyuz capsule which landed in Kazakhstan this week.