Who Is Sophie Adenot? Career, Achievements and Historic ISS Spacewalk
French astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to complete a spacewalk on 18 August 2026. The ESA astronaut spent 6 hours and 23 minutes outside the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Anil Menon.
Sophie Adenot is a French aerospace engineer, military officer, helicopter pilot and European Space Agency astronaut. She has built an exceptional career across engineering, aviation and human spaceflight.
On 18 August 2026, Adenot created history. She became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk. She stepped outside the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Anil Menon.
The spacewalk lasted 6 hours and 23 minutes. The astronauts removed a failed communications antenna from the ISS. However, technical difficulties prevented them from installing its replacement during the same spacewalk.
The achievement marked another important milestone for France and the European space programme.
Sophie Adenot: Key Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sophie Adenot |
| Born | 1982 |
| Nationality | French |
| Profession | Engineer, military officer, test pilot and astronaut |
| Space agency | European Space Agency |
| Military service | French Air and Space Force |
| Military rank | Colonel |
| ESA selection | November 2022 |
| Astronaut certification | 22 April 2024 |
| First space mission | Crew-12 |
| Mission name | εpsilon |
| ISS launch date | 13 February 2026 |
| First spacewalk | 18 August 2026 |
| Spacewalk duration | 6 hours and 23 minutes |
| Historic distinction | First French woman to perform a spacewalk |
Who Is Sophie Adenot?
Sophie Adenot was born in France in 1982. She developed an interest in aviation, science and engineering at a young age.
She later studied aerospace engineering and entered military aviation. Her professional journey took her from aircraft design to helicopter rescue missions and experimental flight testing.
Before becoming an astronaut, Adenot had already broken an important barrier. She became France’s first female helicopter experimental test pilot.
She has recorded around 3,000 hours of flying experience. She has flown 22 different types of helicopters. Her experience includes search-and-rescue operations, military missions, government transport flights and aircraft testing.
Adenot was selected as an ESA astronaut candidate in November 2022. She received astronaut certification in April 2024 and launched to the ISS in February 2026.
Sophie Adenot’s Education
Adenot received advanced education in aerospace engineering and human performance.
ISAE-SUPAERO
Between 2001 and 2003, Adenot studied engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse, France.
She specialised in the flight dynamics of aircraft and spacecraft. This field examines how flying vehicles move and respond to forces during flight.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Adenot completed a Master of Science in Human Factors Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004.
She worked in MIT’s Man-Vehicle Laboratory. Her research examined how the human vestibular system adapts to artificial gravity.
The vestibular system helps the body maintain balance and understand movement. Her research explored how centrifuge-based training could prepare astronauts for changes in gravity.
Empire Test Pilots’ School
Adenot later attended the Empire Test Pilots’ School at Boscombe Down in the United Kingdom.
She graduated with honours as a helicopter test pilot in 2018. She also received the Mac Kenna Trophy and the Patuxtent Shield for her performance.
| Institution | Qualification or specialisation |
|---|---|
| ISAE-SUPAERO, France | Engineering with a specialisation in aircraft and spacecraft flight dynamics |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US | Master of Science in Human Factors Engineering |
| Empire Test Pilots’ School, UK | Helicopter test-pilot training |
Her education prepared her to understand complex machines and human behaviour. Both skills are essential during space missions.
Early Career as an Aerospace Engineer
After completing her master’s degree in 2004, Adenot worked at Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France.
She spent approximately one year as a helicopter cockpit design research engineer. Her work focused on cockpit systems and the way pilots interact with aircraft controls.
This experience gave her a strong foundation in aircraft design. It also connected her engineering knowledge with practical flight operations.
Career in the French Air and Space Force
Adenot joined the French Air Force in 2005. The service is now known as the French Air and Space Force.
She completed basic military and flying training before qualifying as a helicopter pilot.
From 2008 to 2012, she served as a search-and-rescue pilot at Cazaux Air Base. She took part in rescue missions in deserts and other hostile environments.
These operations required quick decisions, technical skill and teamwork. They also demanded the ability to remain calm under pressure.
From 2012 to 2017, she served with France’s High Authority Transport Squadron at Villacoublay. She worked as a formation flight leader and mission captain.
The squadron carries senior government representatives and other important passengers. Such operations require high standards of safety, preparation and discretion.
France’s First Female Helicopter Test Pilot
In 2018, Adenot qualified as a helicopter test pilot. She became France’s first female helicopter experimental test pilot.
Between 2019 and 2022, she worked at the Cazaux Flight Test Centre. She served with France’s Directorate General of Armaments, commonly known as the DGA.
A test pilot evaluates new or modified aircraft. The work is demanding and potentially dangerous. Test pilots must understand engineering systems and recognise unusual aircraft behaviour.
They must also communicate detailed technical information to engineers.
During her aviation career, Adenot accumulated around 3,000 flying hours on 22 helicopter types. She also earned:
- A military parachuting certificate
- A light-aircraft pilot licence
- A glider pilot licence
- A scuba-diving licence
- Skydiving experience
She is also a certified yoga teacher and participates in mountain sports.
When Did Sophie Adenot Become an ESA Astronaut?
The European Space Agency selected Sophie Adenot as an astronaut candidate in November 2022.
She was part of ESA’s 2022 astronaut class. The selection process attracted more than 22,500 valid applications from ESA member and associated states.
Adenot began basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, in April 2023.
Her training covered several important areas:
- Spacecraft systems
- Space station operations
- Spacewalking techniques
- Robotics
- Life-support equipment
- Flight engineering
- Emergency procedures
- Medical training
- Water and wilderness survival
- Scientific experimentation
She officially graduated and received ESA astronaut certification on 22 April 2024. This made her eligible for a spaceflight assignment.
In May 2024, ESA announced that she would fly on a long-duration ISS mission.
Sophie Adenot’s First Space Mission
Adenot launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on 13 February 2026. The Crew-12 mission lifted off on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The Crew-12 team included:
| Crew member | Agency | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Meir | NASA | Commander |
| Jack Hathaway | NASA | Pilot |
| Sophie Adenot | ESA | Mission specialist |
| Andrei Fedyaev | Roscosmos | Mission specialist |
The Dragon spacecraft docked with the ISS on 14 February 2026. This officially began Adenot’s εpsilon mission.
She became the second French woman to travel into space. Claudie Haigneré was the first, flying to the Mir space station in 1996.
Adenot was also the first member of ESA’s 2022 career astronaut class, known as the “Hoppers,” to travel into space.
What Is the εpsilon Mission?
Sophie Adenot’s first ISS mission is named εpsilon, the Greek letter epsilon.
In mathematics and science, epsilon often represents a very small quantity. ESA chose the name to communicate a larger idea: even a small action or contribution can create a significant result.
The mission is scheduled to last for up to nine months. It could become ESA’s longest astronaut mission.
During her stay, Adenot serves as a crew specialist for two important ISS laboratories:
- Columbus, the European research laboratory
- Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module
She is expected to support as many as 36 European experiments. Seven of these were developed by CNES, the French space agency, specifically for the εpsilon mission.
The research covers areas such as:
- Human physiology
- Health in microgravity
- Climate research
- Artificial intelligence
- New technologies
- Future deep-space exploration
- Life-support and crew operations
Sophie Adenot’s Historic ISS Spacewalk
On 18 August 2026, Sophie Adenot completed her first spacewalk.
She left the ISS through the Quest airlock with NASA astronaut Anil Menon. Their spacesuits switched to battery power at 14:29 Central European Summer Time. This officially marked the beginning of the spacewalk.
The two astronauts returned to the station after 6 hours and 23 minutes.
The activity was designated U.S. Spacewalk 97, or US EVA-97.
With this achievement, Adenot became:
- The first French woman to perform a spacewalk
- The second woman representing ESA to complete a spacewalk, after Italy’s Samantha Cristoforetti
- One of the relatively small number of women to conduct an extravehicular activity
It was the 282nd spacewalk conducted in support of ISS assembly, maintenance and upgrades. ESA
What Did Adenot and Menon Do During the Spacewalk?
The main objective was to replace a failed Space-to-Ground Antenna known as SGANT-2.
The antenna was mounted on the station’s Z1 truss. It had been unable to track NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite constellation since November 2025.
These satellites help transmit voice, video and scientific information between the ISS and control centres on Earth.
Menon used a portable foot restraint attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm. NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway operated the arm from inside the station.
Adenot independently moved to the worksite. She began by removing a protective heat shield from the failed antenna.
The astronauts then:
- Installed locks to prevent the antenna from rotating.
- Disconnected its electrical cables.
- Loosened and removed securing bolts.
- Detached the failed antenna.
- Secured it to the station’s truss structure.
- Cleaned the worksite before returning inside.
Why Was the Replacement Antenna Not Installed?
The astronauts successfully removed the failed antenna. However, several bolts and electrical connectors were difficult to release.
The work took longer than mission controllers had expected.
As a result, Adenot and Menon did not have enough time to install the spare antenna. They secured the removed unit with a long-duration tie-down instead.
The ISS continued to have a functioning Space-to-Ground antenna. Therefore, communications with Earth were not interrupted.
NASA planned another spacewalk for 25 August 2026 to complete the replacement work. NASA
What Is a Spacewalk?
A spacewalk is an activity performed by an astronaut outside a spacecraft.
Its technical name is extravehicular activity, or EVA.
Astronauts conduct spacewalks to:
- Repair damaged equipment
- Install new hardware
- Replace ageing components
- Conduct scientific experiments
- Inspect the exterior of a spacecraft
- Prepare the station for future upgrades
Spacewalking is physically demanding. Astronauts work in a vacuum while travelling around Earth at roughly 28,000 kilometres per hour.
A spacesuit acts like a small spacecraft. It supplies oxygen, controls temperature and removes carbon dioxide. It also protects the astronaut from radiation, extreme temperatures and tiny pieces of orbital debris.
Every task must be carefully planned and practised on Earth.
Why Is Adenot’s Spacewalk Important?
A historic achievement for France
No French woman had performed a spacewalk before Sophie Adenot. Her achievement added a new chapter to France’s history of human spaceflight.
Greater representation in space exploration
Women remain underrepresented in aerospace engineering, military aviation and human spaceflight. Adenot’s career shows that women can succeed in each of these demanding fields.
Importance for European spaceflight
The milestone demonstrates ESA’s growing role in operating and maintaining the ISS. European astronauts do more than conduct experiments. They also take part in complex repair and upgrade work outside the station.
Value of multidisciplinary training
Adenot’s experience covers engineering, human factors, military operations and experimental flying. These skills helped prepare her for complex astronaut duties.
Inspiration for young learners
Her journey can encourage students, particularly girls, to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Sophie Adenot’s Major Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Aerospace engineer | Specialised in aircraft and spacecraft flight dynamics |
| MIT graduate | Earned a master’s degree in Human Factors Engineering |
| Military helicopter pilot | Served in rescue and government transport units |
| Historic test pilot | Became France’s first female helicopter experimental test pilot |
| Extensive flight experience | Logged around 3,000 hours on 22 helicopter types |
| ESA astronaut | Selected in November 2022 |
| Astronaut certification | Graduated on 22 April 2024 |
| First ISS mission | Launched with Crew-12 in February 2026 |
| Second French woman in space | Followed Claudie Haigneré |
| First 2022 ESA career astronaut in space | First “Hopper” to fly |
| Historic spacewalk | First French woman to conduct an EVA |
| ISS maintenance role | Helped remove a failed space-to-ground antenna |
Awards and Recognition
Sophie Adenot has received several honours for her professional work and public outreach.
In 2022, she was appointed a Knight of the French National Order of Merit.
In 2021, she received a medal from the French National Assembly. The recognition honoured her work as an ambassador for gender equality in science.
She was also selected as a Young Leader by the French-American Foundation in 2020.
Her test-pilot achievements include the Mac Kenna Trophy and the Patuxtent Shield.
Adenot has spent many years giving scientific lectures and motivational talks. Her outreach work focuses particularly on children and young people. ESA biography
Sophie Adenot’s Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1982 | Born in France |
| 2003 | Completed engineering studies at ISAE-SUPAERO |
| 2004 | Earned a master’s degree from MIT |
| 2004–2005 | Worked as an engineer at Airbus Helicopters |
| 2005 | Joined the French Air Force |
| 2008–2012 | Served as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot |
| 2012–2017 | Served with the High Authority Transport Squadron |
| 2018 | Graduated as a helicopter test pilot |
| 2019–2022 | Worked as an experimental test pilot with the DGA |
| 2022 | Selected as an ESA astronaut candidate |
| 22 April 2024 | Received astronaut certification |
| May 2024 | Assigned to her first ISS mission |
| 13 February 2026 | Launched aboard Crew-12 |
| 14 February 2026 | Arrived at the ISS |
| 18 August 2026 | Became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk |
Importance for Competitive Examinations
Sophie Adenot’s achievement is relevant for current-affairs sections in UPSC, SSC, banking, railway and other competitive examinations.
Important points to remember:
- 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 spacewalk took place on 18 August 2026.
- She conducted the spacewalk with NASA astronaut Anil Menon.
- The spacewalk was designated U.S. Spacewalk 97.
- It lasted 6 hours and 23 minutes.
- Its main objective was to replace a failed Space-to-Ground antenna.
- Her first space mission is called εpsilon.
- She travelled to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew-12.
- Claudie Haigneré was the first French woman in space.
- Samantha Cristoforetti was the first woman representing ESA to conduct a spacewalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sophie Adenot?
Sophie Adenot is a French engineer, military officer, helicopter test pilot and ESA astronaut.
Why was Sophie Adenot in the news?
She became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk on 18 August 2026.
Who accompanied her during the spacewalk?
NASA astronaut Anil Menon accompanied her.
How long did the spacewalk last?
It lasted 6 hours and 23 minutes.
What was the purpose of the spacewalk?
The astronauts attempted to replace a failed Space-to-Ground antenna on the ISS.
Did they install the replacement antenna?
No. Stuck bolts and difficult electrical connectors delayed the work. They removed and secured the failed antenna, but installation of the spare unit was postponed.
What is Sophie Adenot’s mission called?
Her first ISS mission is called εpsilon, or epsilon.
When did Sophie Adenot travel to space?
She launched on 13 February 2026 and reached the ISS on 14 February 2026.
Is Sophie Adenot the first French woman in space?
No. Claudie Haigneré became the first French woman in space in 1996. Adenot is the second French woman in space and the first French woman to perform a spacewalk.
Conclusion
Sophie Adenot’s career combines science, courage and public service.
She progressed from aerospace engineering to military aviation. She then became a helicopter test pilot and an ESA astronaut. Each stage prepared her for the demanding conditions of spaceflight.
Her historic spacewalk on 18 August 2026 was an important moment for France and Europe. It also showed the value of careful training, technical knowledge and international cooperation.
Adenot’s story is especially inspiring for young people who want to pursue careers in science, aviation, engineering or space exploration.