French astronaut Sophie Adenot begins second ISS spacewalk
Sophie Adenot started her second spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Tuesday, a week after her first. The extravehicular activity aims to replace a communications antenna and is expected to last about six and a half hours.
Adenot's second extravehicular mission follows her first spacewalk just one week prior, marking a rapid succession of demanding operations outside the orbital laboratory. The current excursion is dedicated to swapping out a communications antenna, a task requiring precise coordination with ground teams and her fellow crew members aboard the station.
The spacewalk is scheduled to run approximately six and a half hours, with video coverage capturing the initial phases in time-lapse format. This work supports the ongoing maintenance and upgrade of ISS infrastructure, which has hosted continuous human presence for over two decades. Adenot's activities represent a significant milestone for French spaceflight and European participation in orbital operations.
This mission could reinforce public interest in European space exploration and demonstrate the continued scientific value of the ISS as it approaches its planned retirement. Adenot's achievements may inspire younger generations across France and Europe to pursue careers in STEM fields, while also strengthening the case for sustained international investment in orbital infrastructure. The successful completion of back-to-back spacewalks could influence how European space agencies plan future crewed missions and their collaborative role with NASA and other partners.