Welcome home, Sophie Adenot
European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot has returned to Earth after 237 days aboard the International Space Station, concluding the longest mission by a European astronaut to date.
Sophie Adenot, a European Space Agency astronaut, has completed a 237-day mission aboard the International Space Station, marking the longest spaceflight by a European astronaut. She returned to Earth on 8 October after undocking from the station the previous day with her Crew-12 crewmates. The spacecraft splashed down off the coast of California, concluding a mission that included over 3,700 orbits around the planet.
Upon her return, Adenot began post-flight data collection and rehabilitation to readjust to life on Earth. The European Space Agency emphasized the importance of these processes to ensure her safe recovery after the extended stay in microgravity. Her mission contributes to ongoing research on the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body.
The handover to Crew-13 took place before Adenot’s departure, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities aboard the International Space Station. Her return follows a rigorous schedule of scientific experiments and operational tasks conducted during her mission.
Adenot’s mission underscores Europe’s growing role in human spaceflight and international collaboration aboard the International Space Station. Her return marks a significant milestone for the European Space Agency and sets the stage for future long-duration missions.