Sophie Adenot makes history as first French female astronaut on mission to the International Space Station

Sophie Adenot, born in 1982 in France, is a remarkable figure in the realms of engineering and aviation. Currently serving as a colonel in the French Air and Space Force, she has made significant strides in her career, particularly as a helicopter test pilot. In a groundbreaking move in 2022, Adenot was selected as a European Space Agency astronaut, a role that would propel her into the final frontier. After completing her foundational training at the European Astronaut Centre in 2024, Adenot’s long-anticipated journey into space commenced on February 13, 2026, when she launched towards the International Space Station for her inaugural mission, codenamed εpsilon. Her ascent into this prestigious role marks not only a personal achievement but also represents a broader commitment to advancing human exploration in space.