Indiana astronaut set for video call to Statehouse

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Leaders of the Indiana Senate are encouraging students and others to watch as senators talk live with the Indiana native who's commanding the International Space Station.

Astronaut Kevin Ford is scheduled to speak Thursday afternoon from Earth orbit via video hookup to the state Senate's chamber.

Ford is from the Blackford County city of Montpelier. His older brother, David Ford, was a state senator before dying of pancreatic cancer in 2008.

Senate President Pro Tem David Long says Ford's family contacted the Senate to arrange what he calls a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The 20-minute question-and-answer session with senators is scheduled to start at 1:50 p.m. and be streamed over the Senate's website .