Astronaut Kopra brings Kalevala Medal back from space to Kultaranta

Astronaut Kopra presents President Halonen with the Kalevala Medal at Munkkimäki, Kultaranta. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen met with NASA astronaut Timothy Kopra in Kultaranta on Thursday 22 July. Kopra presented President Halonen with a Kalevala Medal that he had with him during his stay at the International Space Station in July-September 2009.

“Almost exactly one year ago I was waiting for a phone call in this same room. The call was of a kind that does not take place every day,” President Halonen said, recalling her conversation with astronaut Kopra, who was then at the International Space Station.

Before taking off to space, Kopra, who has Finnish roots, asked for a memento from Finland to take with him. President Halonen chose a Kalevala Medal produced by the Mint of Finland. “I decided to choose something of significance both for our country and for our culture. The Kalevala Medal is part of the Mint's Finnish at heart series of medals and it fitted this purpose perfectly.”

President Halonen pointed out that astronauts are doing valuable work for our planet. “I hope that especially the young would keep in mind that we must work to conserve the magnificence of the Earth for future generations,” President Halonen said.