At 41, Sophie Adenot has just been designated to join the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026. After a long academic career, the French astronaut finds herself in Houston to continue her training and preparation.
Thomas Pesquet will have company! Six months ago, theEuropean Space Agency had announced the names of five new astronauts selected to join the career astronaut corps. In France, Sophie Adenot joins the team alongside Thomas Pesquet. First French female helicopter test pilot, wife of 41 years old is now a lieutenant colonel in the Air and Space Force. It is a source of pride for many women. In fact, the former engineer becomes the second French female astronaut20 years later Claudie Haigneré. Sophie Adenot will then have to go to the ISS, the international space station, in 2026. “I went into countdown mode,” she tells France Inter. She will conduct various scientific experiments there. A program that can revive the dreams of a large number of people.
“Two years is tomorrow, because when we know the amount of qualifications, theoretical, operational knowledge, skills that I have to acquire, it will go very, very quickly“
Sophie Adenot
Becoming an astronaut from childhood
The journey to becoming an astronaut often begins on school benches. Future astronauts must excel in rigorous academic fieldsparticularly in sciencethere technology, engineering and the mathematics. Astronaut candidates are often required to have at least a master’s degree in a relevant field. It is necessary to have a diploma in minimum of a scientific or engineering master’s degreealthough many astronauts also have a doctorate. Furthermore, the European Space Agency (ESA) only recruits individuals between 27 and 50 years old. If it favors candidates with a solid trainingthe agency also insists on those who speak a Fluent English.
Already advanced professional experience
In addition to cutting-edge academic training, professional experience substantial is crucial. Future astronauts must have at least three years of professional experience in a field related to their training. This may therefore include positions in scientific research, engineering, or advanced piloting missions. This experience is essential because space missions require problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills.
Work on yourself
The selection of astronauts is also based on strict physical and psychological criteria. At first glance, candidates must be in excellent physical condition. They must be able to withstand the rigors of training and space missions. Extensive medical tests are carried out to ensure that candidates do not have health conditions that could put them at risk. Regarding the psychological levelastronauts must demonstrate a resilience exceptional, an ability to work in a team in confined and isolated environments, and an ability to manage the stress And the unknown.
An astronaut, months of training
After being handpicked and then selected, the astronauts follow a intensive training program. This program includes technical training on space systems, rigorous physical training, mission simulations, and hostile environment survival training. They will also be required to achieve at least two flights lasting six months aboard the ISS. They learn there station operation to be able to repair it. The opportunity to test and hone your skills.
18 months of theoretical training will begin this learning. On the menu, a refresher course in many fields such as space mechanics, biology, computer science or medicine… This will be associated with many hours in life-size simulators in order to prepare for all situations. The training will mainly take place at European astronaut training center in Colognein Germany or in the ISS contributing countries. This is the case for Sophie Adenot who is currently at the NASA center in Houston, Texas.
Once astronauts are assigned to a mission, they will need another 18 months to prepare specifically for it. A long journey before being able to look at the Earth from 400 kilometers away…