Sophie Adenot Becomes Second French Woman in Space with ISS Mission
French astronaut Sophie Adenot has launched to the International Space Station, becoming the second French woman in space, as part of a multinational crew conducting scientific research during an extended mission.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot has embarked on her first space mission, becoming the second French woman to travel to space. Adenot, along with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on February 13, 2026. The crew is scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS) on February 14, where they will undertake an extended mission lasting approximately nine months.
Adenot's journey to space fulfills a lifelong ambition. Inspired at age 14 by Claudie Haigneré, the first French woman in space, Adenot pursued a career in aviation, becoming France's first female helicopter test pilot in 2018. She accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and participated in search and rescue missions in Afghanistan before being selected as an astronaut by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2022.
During her time on the ISS, Adenot will conduct over 200 scientific experiments, including studies on microgravity's effects on the human body and testing advanced medical technologies like AI-guided ultrasound systems. She will also contribute to Earth observation activities and perform maintenance tasks aboard the station.
To maintain a connection with Earth, Adenot has brought recordings of natural sounds, such as birdsong and flowing streams, to the ISS. Additionally, French chef Anne-Sophie Pic has prepared a special menu for her, featuring dishes like lobster bisque and foie gras, to celebrate her 44th birthday during the mission.
Adenot's mission, named 'Epsilon,' marks a significant milestone for European space exploration and serves as an inspiration for future generations pursuing careers in science and space travel.