French Astronaut Sophie Adenot Prepares for Landmark Epsilon Mission to the International Space Station

Sophie Adenot, a Colonel in the French Air Force, is currently undergoing rigorous preparation for her inaugural journey into orbit. Selected for the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut corps in 2022, Adenot is slated to lead the "Epsilon" mission, also known as Crew-12, to the International Space Station (ISS) in February 2026. This mission represents a significant milestone for France, as it marks the first time a French woman will travel to space in a quarter-century, following the pioneering footsteps of Claudie Haigneré in 1996 and 2001.

A seasoned helicopter test pilot by trade, Adenot has admitted that the medical portion of her training has been the most challenging aspect of her preparation. This shift from the cockpit to clinical procedures highlights the diverse and often unconventional skill sets required of modern space travelers. To ensure the crew's safety during long-duration missions where Earth-based assistance is unavailable, Adenot is mastering critical emergency protocols. Her training includes performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic dental procedures, such as treating cavities and repairing crowns, ensuring the team remains self-sufficient in the face of health emergencies.

The medical curriculum extends to invasive procedures that astronauts must be capable of performing on themselves or their colleagues. Adenot has been practicing blood collection as well as the insertion of intravenous (IV) and intraosseous (IO) infusions. These skills are vital for managing potential health crises in the isolated environment of the ISS. The emphasis on medical autonomy is a direct response to the operational realities of staying in low Earth orbit for extended periods, where immediate evacuation is not always a viable first option.

The Epsilon mission is expected to span approximately nine months, aligning with the standard duration for NASA's long-term expeditions. During this time, the crew will oversee roughly 200 scientific experiments. One notable project is ChlorISS, an educational initiative designed to engage students by allowing them to observe plant growth in microgravity. Adenot’s preparation for these tasks has been a comprehensive two-year and nine-month journey since her selection, with recent intensive sessions held at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne as of January 7, 2026.

The launch of the Crew-12 mission is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, departing from the historic launch pads at Cape Canaveral, Florida. While the liftoff was originally set for February 11, officials adjusted the timeline due to unfavorable weather conditions. Joining Adenot on this mission are NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, along with Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This international team will rely heavily on their collective training to navigate the complexities of life in space.

The heightened focus on medical readiness is underscored by recent events in the space program. In January 2026, the Crew-11 mission was forced to return to Earth ahead of schedule due to medical complications, serving as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in long-term spaceflight. As Adenot prepares for her departure, her comprehensive training in both science and medicine ensures that the Epsilon mission is equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of the cosmic environment.