French astronaut Sophie Adenot prepares for historic first mission to space named epsilon

On January 5, media representatives gathered for a hybrid press conference with French ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, marking a significant milestone as she prepares for her inaugural mission to space. Hosted at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Germany, this event served as the final opportunity for the European media to engage with Adenot before her anticipated launch to the International Space Station (ISS).

Adenot has aptly named her upcoming mission ‘εpsilon’, a title that symbolizes the idea that even the smallest contributions can have a significant impact. Her launch is scheduled for no earlier than February 15, setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking experience.

During her time aboard the ISS, Adenot will undertake a diverse range of responsibilities. These will include conducting scientific experiments led by European teams, engaging in medical research, supporting Earth observation initiatives, and participating in the everyday operations and maintenance of the space station. The mission aims to highlight the collaborative efforts that are essential in advancing scientific knowledge and operational effectiveness in space.