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Sophie Adenot becomes the first Frenchwoman to venture into space

On Tuesday, Sophie Adenot will conduct her first spacewalk, making her the first French astronaut to go into space, on a mission alongside Anil Menon.

18 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Sophie Adenot becomes the first Frenchwoman to venture into space — Archive photoPhoto: Clément Larrivé · Flickr · BY-SA

Sophie Adenot, a French astronaut, is on a mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She is set to perform a spacewalk, becoming the first Frenchwoman to go into space. The walk is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

This meticulously prepared mission will take place alongside American astronaut Anil Menon. Together, they will spend approximately six and a half hours outside the ISS to accomplish their tasks.

The operation's primary goal is to replace a malfunctioning communication antenna, which is essential for maintaining high-speed communications with Earth.

Sophie Adenot becomes the first Frenchwoman to venture into space — Photo: NASA Johnson Space Center / Helen Arase Vargas NASA-JSC · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

According to information from France 24, this experience marks a significant moment in Sophie Adenot's career and for female representation in space.

The challenge of this spacewalk is recognized as a dream for any astronaut, highlighting the importance of this milestone for Adenot.

RFI also noted that this venture into space is the result of intensive preparation, showcasing the commitment and skills required for space missions.

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