ISS to host first spacewalk by Frenchwoman

On Tuesday, the International Space Station will host its first spacewalk led by French astronaut Sophie Adenot, marking a significant milestone for French women in space exploration. Accompanying her will be American astronaut Anil Menon, as they embark on a six-and-a-half hour mission aimed at replacing a crucial space-to-ground antenna, essential for high-speed communications and data transmission between the ISS and mission control in Houston.

Adenot, a seasoned engineer and former test pilot, is the second European woman to conduct a spacewalk, following Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti's mission in 2022. She has been meticulously preparing for this operation aboard the ISS in the weeks leading up to the event, focusing on thorough rehearsals, preparation, and concentration.

The spacewalk will be meticulously monitored by flight engineer Jack Hathaway and station commander Jessica Meir, who will operate a robotic arm from inside the ISS to assist Adenot and Menon. After the successful completion of their previous spacewalk, Adenot expressed her pride and privilege in supporting the crew from within, highlighting the collaborative nature of spacewalks.

Becoming the second Frenchwoman in history to venture into space, Adenot follows in the footsteps of Claudie Haignere, who made her historic flight in February. The last French individual to walk in space was Thomas Pesquet, who conducted five spacewalks during his two stays aboard the ISS.