French astronaut Sophie Adeni became the first French woman to conduct a spacewalk during a mission at the International Space Station.
The achievement marks a milestone for the French space program and expands the role of European women in complex extravehicular activities (EVA).
Adeni performed the mission alongside U.S. astronaut Anil Menon. The pair operated at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers [1] above the Earth's surface. The primary objective of the excursion was to replace a malfunctioning antenna system used to maintain vital communications between the station and ground control [1].
The mission lasted six and a half hours [1]. During the process, Adeni became only the second European woman to ever perform a spacewalk [1]. The operation required precision movements to ensure the new hardware was properly seated to restore full signal capacity.
Adeni said, "Let us make our dreams big together."
The successful replacement of the antenna ensures that the International Space Station maintains stable data and voice links with Earth. This maintenance is essential for the safety of the crew, and the continuity of scientific research conducted on the orbiting laboratory.
“Sophie Adeni became the first French woman to conduct a spacewalk”
This mission represents a strategic shift in the visibility and technical responsibilities of the European Space Agency's personnel. By completing a high-stakes hardware replacement, Adeni demonstrates that French astronauts are now integrated into the most critical maintenance tasks of the ISS, moving beyond scientific observation into essential orbital engineering.
