Sophie Adenot's historic spacewalk: the first French woman to walk in space
European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first Frenchman and second European woman to walk in space on 18 August 2026. He performed a spacewalk for 6 hours 23 minutes outside the ISS as part of the EVA-97 mission with NASA astronaut Anil Menon. The main objective of this mission was to strengthen the ISS's communications system by replacing the failed Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT) located on the Z1 Truss. Despite technical challenges during the spacewalk, the mission was conducted safely and provided critical support by the Canadarm2 robotic arm and the ISS crew.
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot created history by walking in space on 18 August 2026. She became the first French woman to walk in space and the second European woman to do so. This achievement reflects Europe's growing role in human spaceflight.
EVA-97: 6 hours 23 minutes spacewalk
This mission was identified as US Spacewalk 97 (EVA-97). Sophie Adenot performed a spacewalk with NASA astronaut Anil Menon outside the International Space Station (ISS) for about 6 hours and 23 minutes. This spacewalk was done for the purpose of maintaining the maintenance and communication system of the ISS.
Main purpose of EVA—replacement of SGANT antenna
The main objective of the spacewalk was to replace the worn out Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT) located on the Z1 Truss of the ISS. This antenna is important for communication and data exchange between the space station and Mission Control on Earth. Therefore its maintenance is essential for the safe and effective operation of the ISS.
Technical challenges during spacewalk
The astronauts encountered technical problems related to bolts and electrical cables during antenna replacement. The replacement process could not be completed, after which Mission Control instructed that the old antenna be secured with a durable rope. This shows the importance of technical risk management and real-time decision making in space missions.
ISS crew and Canadarm2's role
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway aboard the ISS assisted in this activity. He assisted in preparing the spacewalkers and operating the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Canadarm2 is a critical robotic system for the construction, maintenance, operation of equipment, and other complex tasks of the space station.
EVA and importance for UPSC exam
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) is planned activity in which astronauts wearing special spacesuits perform repairs, maintenance, equipment installation, scientific work, and technology upgrades outside the spacecraft or space station. This spacewalk was the 282nd spacewalk in the history of ISS. This news for UPSC is important in the context of human space flight, ISS, EVA, space technology, robotics, ESA-NASA collaboration and international scientific cooperation.
