French astronaut Sophie Adenot has completed her second spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), further cementing her place in the history of European space exploration. The 44-year-old, who became the first French woman to walk in space on 18 August, ventured out again alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon to finish a critical repair job.
The spacewalk began at 12:27 GMT, and within twenty minutes Adenot was once again floating in the void, working on the exterior of the orbiting laboratory. The pair's primary task was to replace a faulty Space-to-Ground antenna, known to NASA engineers as SGANT, which is essential for communication between the ISS and mission control in Houston.
A stubborn repair job
During their first spacewalk, Adenot and Menon managed to dismantle the defective antenna but encountered stubborn bolts and connectors that prevented them from installing the replacement. That task was left for this second outing, which lasted more than six hours. The astronauts successfully retrieved the new antenna, installed it, and moved the old SGANT to its designated storage location on the station's exterior.
If all went according to plan, the duo also intended to reinstall a retroreflector on the station's hull, a device used for laser ranging and navigation. No major hitches were reported, and the mission appeared to proceed smoothly.
Adenot, a former helicopter test pilot from the French region of Burgundy, has spoken enthusiastically about her experience. After her first spacewalk, she said she "loved working in the vacuum of space," a sentiment that resonates with her latest achievement.
A milestone for France and Europe
In February, Adenot became only the second French woman to fly into space, following in the footsteps of Claudie Haigneré, who flew in 1996 and 2001. Her spacewalks mark a significant step for France's presence in human spaceflight, and for the European Space Agency (ESA), which has been increasingly active in ISS operations.
The success of this mission also highlights the growing role of European astronauts in maintaining and upgrading the ISS, a project that involves multiple international partners. As the station ages, such repair missions become more frequent and more critical.
Adenot's achievement comes at a time when Europe is reasserting its ambitions in space, from satellite navigation to deep-space exploration. Her work is a reminder of the continent's contributions to the global space endeavour, and of the skilled individuals who carry out these complex tasks.
With her second spacewalk complete, Adenot continues her mission aboard the ISS, where she is expected to remain for several more months. Her performance has drawn praise from French and European officials, who see her as a role model for a new generation of scientists and engineers.
