Claudie Haigneré Hails ‘New Era’ as Sophie Adenot Becomes Second French Woman in Space
CAPE CANAVERAL, 14 February 2026 – France’s space pioneer Claudie Haigneré has expressed “immense pride and emotion” following the successful launch of Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station (ISS). Adenot’s departure on Friday marks the first time a French woman has entered orbit since Haigneré’s final mission a quarter-century ago.
A Passing of the Torch
Claudie Haigneré, who became the first French woman in space in 1996 and the first European woman to visit the ISS in 2001, travelled to Florida to witness the launch in person. Speaking from Cape Canaveral, the 68-year-old former astronaut and government minister described Adenot as both her “heir” and a “pioneer for a new generation.”
The mission, dubbed “εpsilon,” saw Adenot blast off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Friday, 13 February 2026, at approximately 11:15 CET. Adenot, a 43-year-old helicopter test pilot, has frequently cited Haigneré’s 1996 mission to the Mir space station as the primary inspiration for her career. At the time of Haigneré’s first flight, Adenot was just 14 years old.
Key Milestones in French Female Spaceflight
| Astronaut | Mission / Milestone | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Claudie Haigneré | First French woman in space (Mir Station) | 1996 |
| Claudie Haigneré | First European woman on the ISS (Andromède) | 2001 |
| Sophie Adenot | Second French woman in space (εpsilon) | 2026 |
The εpsilon Mission
While Haigneré’s missions focused on the transition between the Mir station and the early days of the ISS, Adenot’s nine-month residency will involve over 200 scientific experiments. These include testing advanced systems utilizing artificial intelligence and augmented reality to assist in future deep-space habitats.
Haigneré, who retired from active astronaut duties to pursue a career in French politics and science communication, remains a patron of the Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse. She is scheduled to deliver a public lecture on the future of European space exploration on 3 March 2026 at the Millennium centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first French woman in space?
Claudie Haigneré (formerly Claudie André-Deshays) became the first French woman in space during the Cassiopée mission to the Russian Mir space station in 1996.
How long has it been since a French woman was in orbit?
Prior to Sophie Adenot’s launch on 13 February 2026, it had been 25 years since a French woman was in space, following Claudie Haigneré’s Andromède mission in 2001.
What is Claudie Haigneré’s current role?
Haigneré is a retired astronaut, doctor, and former politician. She serves as a prominent ambassador for European science and is a member of the jury for the Space Prize.