ESA Astronaut Sophie Adenot Returns to Earth After Record-Breaking Mission
Date: 10/10/2026
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Overview:
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot has successfully returned to Europe, landing in Cologne, Germany, after a remarkable 237 days aboard the International Space Station during her εpsilon mission.
Journey Home:
On October 7, Sophie, along with a crew of NASA astronauts and a Roscosmos cosmonaut, undocked and began their 27-hour journey back to Earth. They splashed down on October 8 and underwent initial medical checks before heading to Houston for post-flight activities.
Warm Welcome:
Sophie landed in Cologne on October 10 at 04:21 GMT/06:21 CEST, receiving a heartfelt welcome from family, friends, and ESA representatives. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher praised Sophie for embodying the organization’s values and contributing to Europe’s ambitions in space exploration.
Next Steps for Sophie
Sophie will spend the next few weeks acclimating to Earth’s gravity and engaging in data collection at the DLR facility. She will continue rehabilitation efforts along with the European Astronaut Centre team.
A Record-Breaking Mission
Sophie spent a total of 237 days, 5 hours, and 18 minutes in space, setting a new European record for the longest single spaceflight. She also conducted three spacewalks, totaling 19 hours and 42 minutes, and completed numerous European scientific experiments.
Achievements:
- First French woman to perform an EVA.
- Contributed to a range of research, including health, materials science, and fundamental physics.
- Worked on various technologies for future exploration.
Inspiration and Outreach
Sophie shared her journey with over 1.1 million social media followers, generating more than 403 million views. She inspired over 290,000 students through various educational initiatives and participated in numerous live events.
Quote from ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, Daniel Neuenschwander:
“Sophie’s journey marks not just a personal achievement but a milestone for Europe in exploration and discovery.”
Video: Sophie Adenot’s return to Earth – Statement from Cologne Airport
This successful mission illustrates the combined efforts of ESA teams and partners, showcasing the importance of collaboration in space exploration.
