European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot has successfully returned to Earth after an impressive nearly eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her spacecraft, carrying fellow Crew-12 members, splashed down off the coast of California on October 8, 2026, marking the end of a significant scientific endeavor and a new record for European spaceflight duration.
Mission Accomplished: A Safe Return to Earth
The Crew-12 mission, a collaborative effort involving NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos, undocked from the ISS on October 7th, embarking on a 27-hour journey back to our planet. The Dragon Freedom spacecraft, operated by SpaceX, executed a flawless splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 15:34 GMT/17:34 CEST. Following a fiery re-entry, where the capsule decelerated from orbital speeds of around 28,000 km/h to about 500 km/h, a sequence of parachutes, including drogue and main chutes, ensured a gentle landing. Recovery crews were on standby immediately to secure the capsule and assist the astronauts.
A New European Spaceflight Record and Groundbreaking Science
Sophie Adenot’s almost eight-month stay, totaling 237 days, 5 hours, and 18 minutes, has set a new European record for the longest single spaceflight. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record by over 35 days. During her time on the ISS, Adenot also made history as the first French woman and the second European woman to perform a spacewalk (Extravehicular Activity – EVA). She successfully completed three spacewalks, accumulating nearly 20 hours of work outside the station.
Adenot’s mission, named ‘Epsilon,’ was packed with scientific research. She conducted a diverse range of European experiments across various fields, including:
- Health research
- Materials science
- Biology
- Fluid physics
- Radiation physics
- Fundamental science
Beyond pure research, Adenot played a crucial role in testing advanced technologies for future space exploration, such as the new European exercise device E4D and in-orbit metal 3D printing, while also supporting commercial research payloads. Following initial medical checks, Adenot and her crewmates are en route to Houston for post-flight activities before her return to ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.
