ISS hosts first spacewalk by a Frenchwoman
Sophie Adenot became the first French woman astronaut to venture outside the International Space Station for a spacewalk Tuesday, accompanied by American astronaut Anil Menon.
Sophie Adenot, a French astronaut, made history as the first female spacewalker from France during a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday. Accompanied by American astronaut Anil Menon, the duo spent nearly 6.5 hours outside the station attempting to replace a faulty antenna. The antenna is crucial for ISS communications with mission control in Houston.
Adenot, 44, expressed feeling "very good" after exiting the ISS. While they successfully removed the antenna, they were unable to replace it due to time constraints. French President Emmanuel Macron praised Adenot's achievement, citing it as a source of French pride. Support from the ISS crew, including flight engineer Jack Hathaway and commander Jessica Meir, was essential for the successful operation.
Adenot's preparation involved reviewing spacesuits, tools, and safety procedures. She became the second French woman in space, following Claudie Haignere, and the second European woman to conduct an ISS spacewalk, after Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.
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