Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Spacewalk

Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Walk in Space

French astronaut Sophie Adenot has made history in human spaceflight. She became the first French woman to complete a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The historic mission took place on 18 August 2026. Adenot worked alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon. Their spacewalk lasted six hours and 23 minutes.

The mission was officially known as U.S. Spacewalk 97, or EVA-97. Its main aim was to replace a faulty communications antenna on the space station. However, technical problems prevented the astronauts from completing the full installation.

Despite these challenges, the mission marked a major achievement for France, Europe and women in space exploration.

Key Highlights

Sophie Adenot’s Historic Spacewalk

Sophie Adenot began her first spacewalk at 8:29 a.m. EDT on 18 August 2026. The mission ended at 2:52 p.m. EDT.

She and Anil Menon exited the ISS through the Quest airlock. The two astronauts then travelled to the worksite on the station’s exterior.

Menon was designated spacewalk crew member 1. Adenot served as spacewalk crew member 2.

Adenot’s achievement was important for several reasons. She became the first French woman to walk in space. She also became only the second European woman to carry out an extravehicular activity.

Italian ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti became the first European woman to perform a spacewalk in 2022.

The European Space Agency confirmed that EVA-97 was Adenot’s first spacewalk and the first ever conducted by a French woman. ESA

What Was the Main Objective of EVA-97?

The main objective was to replace Space-to-Ground Antenna 2, also called SGANT-2.

The antenna is installed on the Z1 truss of the International Space Station. It forms an important part of the station’s communications network.

SGANT-2 helps the ISS communicate through NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system. This satellite network carries voice, video and scientific data between the space station and ground controllers.

The antenna had been unable to properly track the relay satellite network since November 2025. Therefore, NASA planned to remove the failed unit and install a spare antenna.

Reliable communication is essential on the ISS. It allows astronauts to speak with Mission Control. It also supports the transfer of scientific information and operational data.

What Happened During the Spacewalk?

The astronauts first prepared the work area.

Anil Menon collected a portable foot restraint. He installed it on the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The arm then carried him towards the antenna worksite.

Sophie Adenot moved independently along the station’s exterior. She reached the site and began removing the protective heat shield around the failed antenna.

The two astronauts then completed several tasks:

• They installed gimbal locks to stop the antenna from rotating.
• They removed bolts holding the unit in place.
• They disconnected electrical cables.
• They freed the faulty antenna from its boom assembly.
• They secured the removed antenna to the station’s truss.

The work required care and coordination. Every tool and component had to remain attached. Even a small object can become dangerous if it floats away in orbit.

Stuck Bolts Delayed the Mission

Adenot and Menon faced unexpected technical problems.

Several bolts and electrical connectors were stuck. The astronauts needed extra time to release them. This delay affected the original schedule.

The faulty antenna was successfully removed. However, there was not enough time to move it to the planned storage platform and install the replacement.

Mission Control therefore changed the objectives of the spacewalk.

The astronauts secured the old antenna to the truss using a long-duration tie-down. This kept the equipment stable and protected the station.

The installation of the spare antenna was postponed to another spacewalk. ESA stated that the replacement could not be fitted during EVA-97 because of the time lost on stuck bolts and connectors. ESA

Support From Inside the Space Station

Spacewalks depend on a large team both in orbit and on Earth.

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway supported the operation from inside the ISS. They helped the spacewalkers prepare their suits and equipment.

Jack Hathaway also operated Canadarm2. The robotic arm transported Anil Menon to the antenna worksite.

Ground teams at Mission Control in Houston monitored every stage of the mission. They watched the astronauts’ suit systems, oxygen levels and task progress.

When the stuck hardware caused delays, Mission Control revised the plan. This allowed the astronauts to complete the most important safety tasks before returning to the station.

What Is Canadarm2?

Canadarm2 is a large robotic arm attached to the International Space Station.

It was developed with major contributions from Canada. The arm plays an important role in the operation and maintenance of the ISS.

It can:

• Move astronauts during spacewalks
• Capture visiting cargo spacecraft
• Transport equipment around the station
• Assist with station construction
• Support repair and maintenance work

The arm can move across different parts of the station. Astronauts inside the ISS operate it using specialised controls.

What Is a Spacewalk?

A spacewalk is an activity performed by an astronaut outside a spacecraft or space station.

Its technical name is extravehicular activity, or EVA.

Astronauts conduct spacewalks for several purposes. These include:

• Repairing damaged equipment
• Installing new instruments
• Upgrading station systems
• Connecting electrical cables
• Collecting scientific samples
• Testing new technologies
• Supporting the construction of space structures

During an EVA, astronauts wear specially designed spacesuits. The suits provide oxygen, temperature control, communication and protection from the harsh space environment.

A safety tether keeps each astronaut connected to the station. Astronauts also carry a small emergency propulsion system in case they become separated from the spacecraft.

Who Is Sophie Adenot?

Sophie Adenot is a French engineer, military officer, helicopter pilot and ESA astronaut.

She was born in France in 1982. She studied engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse. Her specialisation included aircraft and spacecraft flight dynamics.

She later earned a Master of Science in human factors engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.

Adenot joined the French Air Force in 2005. She trained as a helicopter pilot and took part in search-and-rescue operations.

In 2018, she completed helicopter test-pilot training at the Empire Test Pilots’ School in the United Kingdom. She later worked as an experimental test pilot at France’s Cazaux Flight Test Centre.

Before becoming an astronaut, she had logged around 3,000 flying hours across 22 types of helicopters.

ESA selected Adenot as an astronaut candidate in November 2022. She completed her basic training in April 2024. She launched to the ISS on 13 February 2026 for a nine-month mission called Epsilon. ESA astronaut profile

Awards and Achievements

Sophie Adenot has received several honours during her career.

She was appointed a Knight of the French National Order of Merit in 2022. She also received recognition from the French National Assembly for promoting gender equality in science.

Her career includes several notable achievements:

• First French female helicopter test pilot
• Around 3,000 hours of flying experience
• Experience on 22 helicopter types
• Member of ESA’s 2022 astronaut class
• First member of that ESA class to fly into space
• First French woman to perform a spacewalk

Why Is This Spacewalk Important?

Adenot’s spacewalk holds technical, national and social importance.

Historic achievement for France

France has played an important role in European space programmes. Adenot’s EVA added a new chapter to that history. She became the first French woman to work outside a spacecraft.

Greater representation of women

Women remain underrepresented in astronaut corps and spacewalk statistics. Adenot’s achievement may encourage more girls to study science, engineering, aviation and space technology.

Strong NASA–ESA cooperation

The mission showed close cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. Astronauts from different countries worked together to maintain the ISS.

Essential ISS maintenance

The space station operates in a demanding environment. Regular repairs are necessary to keep its systems functional. EVA-97 addressed an important communication problem.

Preparation for future missions

Spacewalk experience will be useful for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Astronauts may need to assemble equipment, repair habitats and maintain scientific instruments far from Earth.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams

• Sophie Adenot belongs to France.
• She is an astronaut with the European Space Agency.
• She became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk.
• The historic EVA took place on 18 August 2026.
• The mission was called U.S. Spacewalk 97 or EVA-97.
• NASA astronaut Anil Menon accompanied her.
• The spacewalk lasted six hours and 23 minutes.
• The astronauts removed the faulty SGANT-2 antenna.
• The antenna was located on the ISS Z1 truss.
• SGANT stands for Space-to-Ground Antenna.
• EVA stands for Extravehicular Activity.
• The astronauts exited through the Quest airlock.
• Canadarm2 supported the operation.
• It was the 282nd spacewalk conducted for ISS assembly, maintenance and upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who became the first French woman to walk in space?

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk.

When did Sophie Adenot complete her first spacewalk?

She completed it on 18 August 2026.

Who accompanied Sophie Adenot during the spacewalk?

NASA astronaut Anil Menon accompanied her.

How long did EVA-97 last?

The spacewalk lasted six hours and 23 minutes.

What was the main purpose of the mission?

The main purpose was to remove and replace a faulty Space-to-Ground Antenna on the ISS.

Was the new antenna installed?

No. The faulty antenna was removed, but stuck bolts and connectors caused delays. The spare antenna’s installation was postponed.

What is the full form of EVA?

EVA stands for Extravehicular Activity.

Conclusion

Sophie Adenot’s first spacewalk was a historic moment for France and European space exploration.

She and Anil Menon successfully removed a failed communications antenna from the International Space Station. Technical problems prevented them from installing the replacement during the same operation. However, the old equipment was safely secured.

The mission demonstrated courage, technical skill and international teamwork. It also created a powerful milestone for women in science and spaceflight.

Adenot’s achievement will be remembered not only as a personal success but also as an inspiration for future generations of astronauts, engineers and explorers.