Finnish President Calls Space Station

The president of Finland made a long distance call to American space station resident Timothy Kopra this morning, who carries special Finnish heritage both inside and in the form of a medalion.

The President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen spoke with Kopra for about 15 minutes beginning at 8:55 am EDT, as the station passed over the Atlantic Ocean and up toward Europe.

A few months ago, President Halonen sent Kopra the Kalevala medal, which Kopra brought with him to the space station during his launch a few weeks ago aboard Endeavour. The medal signifies services for Finnish culture. Kopra will return the medal this Fall in person to the madam president.

Kopra will return back to earth in early-September aboard space shuttle Discovery.