Who is Sophie Adenot? Meet the first French woman astronaut in space since 2001

After 25 Years, Sophie Adenut become the first French woman astronaut to go to space. (Image: ESA)

• Sophie Adenot begins long ISS mission, first French woman since 2001.
• She will conduct over 200 experiments on health and technology.
• Mission boosts French and European presence in space exploration.

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France has marked a defining moment in space science. Astronaut Sophie Adenot has launched on a long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Her mission signals a renewed French presence in human space exploration.

It also strengthens Europe’s scientific ambitions in orbit. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral. She travelled aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Now, she circles Earth nearly 400 kilometres above us. She is first French woman astronaut since 2001 after Claudie Haigneré.

Who Is Sophie Adenot?

Sophie Adenot was born in 1982 in France. From an early age, she was drawn to science and aviation. She studied engineering at ISAE-SupAéro in Toulouse. She later completed advanced studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"I was 14 years old and it was a revelation," Adenot recently told a press conference.

Adenot has been dreaming of the moment when she will go to space since 1996. Her inspiration to space come from France's first female astronaut Claudie Haigneré. She watched Claudie's blast off towards the Mir space station on television.

What Is Her Mission About?

Sophie Adenot will travel to the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting roughly 400 kilometres above Earth. Her mission will support more than 200 scientific experiments. These studies focus on human health in microgravity. Scientists will examine muscle weakening and bone density loss.

Lancement 🚀 reporté au vendredi 13 février à : - 04h15 CST (heure de Houston) - 05h15 EST (heure de Cap Canaveral) - 11h15 CET (heure de France métropolitaine 🇫🇷)#Crew12 • #εpsilon • @esa • @esaspaceflight • @ESA_fr • @NASA • @NASA_Johnson • @NASAKennedy • @CNESpic.twitter.com/YRFDHrv3fD

— Adenot Sophie (@Soph_astro) February 10, 2026

They will also analyse how isolation affects cognitive performance as well as technological trials. Autonomous medical tools and robotic systems will be tested by the astronaut. Such innovations are vital for future Moon and Mars missions.

Sophie's Training and Achievements

Sophie is trained in robotics, spacecraft systems and emergency procedures. She learned Russian and advanced operational protocols. Her aviation background gave her exceptional situational awareness. Before becoming an astronaut, she served in the French Air and Space Force. She logged more than 3,000 flying hours.

In 2018, she became France’s first female helicopter test pilot. This milestone placed her among the country’s most skilled aviators. In 2022, she was selected by the European Space Agency from over 22,000 applicants. Her perseverance finally opened the door to orbit.

How France Sees This Historic Moment?

The French space agency, CNES, has strongly supported her journey. Officials describe the mission as a scientific investment. They see it as inspiration for young women in STEM fields. For France, the astronaut represents innovation and equality. She embodies decades of aerospace excellence. Sophie Adenot is the country’s first woman astronaut who is selected for a long-duration mission.

When Will the Mission expected to Last? 

Sophie's mission is scheduled to begin with a launch from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission is expected to last 8 to 9 months, with a projected return to Earth around October 2026. She will set to carry out over 200 experiments aboard the International Space Station.