ESA · Space

Sophie Adenot Completes Record-Breaking Spaceflight

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot has returned to Earth after a nearly eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station, setting a new European record for the longest single spaceflight.

Adenot, along with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev, splashed down off the coast of California on October 8, 2026, after a 27-hour return journey. The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft successfully deployed its parachutes after atmospheric re-entry, and recovery crews were on hand to assist the crew.

Following initial medical checks, the crew will travel to Houston for post-flight activities before Adenot returns to the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.

Adenot's εpsilon mission lasted 237 days, 5 hours, and 18 minutes, surpassing the previous European record by over 35 days. She also became the first French woman and the second European woman to perform a spacewalk, completing three EVAs totaling 19 hours and 42 minutes.

During her mission, Adenot conducted a variety of European experiments in fields such as health research, materials science, biology, and physics. She also contributed to testing new technologies for future exploration, including an exercise device and in-orbit metal 3D printing.

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