From Haigneré to Adenot: The story of French astronauts

French astronaut Sophie Adenot has just taken off to become the second French woman in space, 30 years after Claudie Haigneré, embarking on a nine-month mission aboard the ISS—the longest ever French spaceflight. Her journey is the latest chapter in France’s history of astronauts, from Jean-Loup Chrétien in 1982 to Thomas Pesquet, inspiring a new generation of explorers. Adenot reflects on the legacy of French space pioneers and the excitement of sharing this mission with the public.