European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot made history on August 18, 2026, after she became the first French female to conduct a spacewalk. Adenot also became the second European woman to conduct an extravehicular activity (EVA). The spacewalk was conducted by Sophie Adenot outside the International Space Station (ISS) together with NASA astronaut Anil Menon. The EVA was six hours and twenty-three minutes long and mostly concentrated on the replacement of a malfunctioning Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT) located on the ISS’s Z1 truss.
Sophie Adenot’s Historic Spacewalk
Sophie Adenot’s spacewalk was identified as U.S. Spacewalk 97 (EVA-97).
The activity took place from 8:29 a.m. EDT to 2:52 p.m. EDT, taking six hours and 23 minutes.
It is an important milestone in human spaceflight for France and Europe since Adenot became the first French female to conduct an EVA from the ISS.
What Was the Main Objective of EVA-97?
The main purpose of the spacewalk was the replacement of a malfunctioning Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT) on the ISS Z1 truss.
The SGANT is used to ensure that the station has a functional communications system by facilitating the fast exchange of data between the ISS and Mission Control Center in Houston.
However, there were some problems in the process of the replacement.
Issues With Installation
During the replacement of the antenna, Adenot and Menon faced problems such as the sticking of some bolts and electrical cables.
Since the installation process could not go as initially expected, Mission Control instructed the astronauts to tie down the old antenna using a long-lasting tie before ending the EVA.
This gave the astronauts room to end the spacewalk without destroying the faulty equipment.
Role of Anil Menon and the ISS Crew Members
NASA astronaut Anil Menon accompanied Sophie Adenot in this spacewalk.
On board the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway helped with this activity. They helped the spacewalkers in donning their suits and controlled the Canadarm2 robotic arm of the station.
The Canadarm2 robotic system is an essential part of the station that helps in assembling the station and other activities.
Extravehicular Activity Defined
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) is an intentionally planned activity where the astronauts carry out some activities while working outside a spacecraft or a space station using a specialized spacesuit.
The activities carried out by the spacewalkers includes,
- Installation of equipment
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Technical and scientific operations
- Assembling and upgrading
Adenot’s EVA was a historical personal achievement and ISS maintenance procedure at once.
Importance of the Spacewalk
This spacewalk was the 282nd spacewalk in the entire history of construction and servicing of the International Space Station.
Another significance of Adenot’s success is that it marks Europe’s increasing involvement in space exploration activities. It is because Adenot became the first woman from France to carry out a spacewalk.
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