Sophie Adenot Spacewalk made history on 18 August 2026 when European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk. She also became the second European woman to work outside a spacecraft in space. The historic mission took place outside the International Space Station (ISS), where Adenot worked alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon for more than six hours.

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The spacewalk was an important part of ongoing maintenance work on the International Space Station. Astronauts regularly carry out such missions to repair equipment, install new systems, and keep the space station operating safely. The August 2026 mission focused mainly on restoring an important communication system used by the ISS.

A Historic Moment for Sophie Adenot

Sophie Adenot’s achievement marks an important moment for France and the European Space Agency. Space exploration has traditionally seen fewer women participating in spacewalks compared with men, making this mission a major milestone.

During the mission, Adenot and Anil Menon worked outside the International Space Station in the difficult environment of outer space. Astronauts performing a spacewalk must wear specially designed spacesuits that provide oxygen, temperature control, communication, and protection from the extreme conditions of space.

The spacewalk, officially known as U.S. Spacewalk 97, began at 8:29 a.m. EDT and ended at 2:52 p.m. EDT on 18 August 2026. The total duration was approximately 6 hours and 23 minutes.

Repairing the ISS Communication System

The main purpose of the mission was to replace a failed Space-to-Ground Antenna, commonly known as SGANT. This equipment is important because it helps maintain high-speed communication between the International Space Station and Mission Control on Earth.

The antenna is located near the Z1 truss, an important structural section of the ISS that supports several systems and pieces of equipment. Reliable communication is essential for astronauts, scientists, and mission controllers because the ISS continuously sends scientific data, operational information, and other important signals back to Earth.

However, the astronauts faced technical difficulties during the mission. Some bolts became difficult to move, and electrical cables created additional challenges while the team attempted to install the replacement antenna.

Mission Control carefully guided the astronauts through the situation. Instead of completing the full installation, the astronauts secured the failed antenna using a special long-duration tie-down system before ending their work outside the station.

Support from Inside the Space Station

While Sophie Adenot and Anil Menon worked outside, other astronauts supported the mission from inside the International Space Station. NASA commander Jessica Meir and flight engineer Jack Hathaway helped prepare the astronauts before they exited the station.

The support team assisted with spacesuit preparation and also operated Canadarm2, the large robotic arm attached to the ISS. Canadarm2 is used for several important tasks, including moving equipment, supporting maintenance work, and handling spacecraft and cargo.

The teamwork between astronauts inside and outside the station shows how complex space operations depend on careful planning and coordination. Every spacewalk requires support from astronauts on the ISS as well as engineers and controllers working from Earth.

The Growing Importance of ISS Maintenance

The International Space Station remains one of the world’s most important centres for scientific research in space. Astronauts from different countries work together on experiments related to health, technology, Earth observation, biology, and space science.

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the ageing space station functioning properly. Communication equipment, power systems, scientific instruments, and structural components all require monitoring and occasional repairs.

The August 2026 mission was recorded as the 282nd spacewalk connected with the assembly, maintenance, and upgrading of the International Space Station. This highlights the enormous amount of work that has gone into building and maintaining the station over many years.

Another Spacewalk Planned

The work on the communication antenna is expected to continue. The European Space Agency has announced another planned spacewalk involving Sophie Adenot and Anil Menon on 25 August 2026.

The upcoming mission, known as EVA-98, is expected to focus on completing the installation of the spare SGANT antenna. The second mission will be closely watched as the astronauts return outside the International Space Station to continue the important repair work.

Sophie Adenot’s historic achievement has added another memorable chapter to international space exploration. Her journey reflects the growing role of women astronauts in major space missions and the continued importance of international cooperation in exploring and working beyond Earth.