NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

"Hot Potato" has never been done like this.

Astronaut Mike Fincke floated sideways Thursday aboard the International Space Station as he performed with what might be called the Wiggles plus one. He was traveling at 17,500 mph 220 miles above the Earth, making all the right moves for the spuds in space rendition with the popular Australian children's group.

Image to right: The Wiggles and one of their biggest fans, Chandra Fincke, wave to Chandra's dad Mike on board the International Space Station. Credit: NASA

In Houston's Mission Control Center, the four members of the Wiggles, who were seen in live concert by a million fans in the United States and Australia last year, chimed in. Despite the speed, distance and unusual attitude of their astronaut performer, things were superbly synchronized.

With the Wiggles in Mission Control were Fincke's four-year-old son Chandra, his wife Renita and his daughter Tarali Paulina, who was born after Fincke was launched on his six-month mission.

The Wiggles are a big hit with preschoolers, and they're most commonly known among their fans by the color of the shirts they wear - red, blue, yellow and purple. They had met Fincke and Chandra during a concert in Houston last year.

"Congratulations on your little baby," said the Blue Wiggle, whose real name is Anthony Field. "I bet you can't wait to get home to see her."

Image to left: Astronaut Mike Finke floats in the Station for an orbital version of "Hot Potato" with the Wiggles. Credit: NASA

During their chat, Fincke told the Wiggles the Station covered the distance between Australia and the United States in about 24 minutes.

"I look forward to the day we can do that," Field said.

Red Wiggle Murray Cook said he'd watched the moon landings on black and white televisions. It instilled an excitement that has continued to grow. "It's a thrill to be here," he told Fincke.

In addition to the long-distance chat with Finke, the group was also treated to a tour of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where they got an up close look at some Shuttle mock-ups. (+ View Photo)

Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt and Yellow Wiggle Greg Page and their colleagues are on a multi-city, four-week tour of the U.S.

For more information on their visit to Mission Control
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The Wiggles Web site
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