Sophie ADENOT has been one of two women selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to be part of the new astronaut team, and started her training in April 2023 at the European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Cologne, Germany.
The astronaut grew up in a rural department in France before realising prestigious studies first at the French school of aeronautics and then at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After her engineering studies she quickly integrates the air and space army where she becomes the first female helicopter test pilot in France in 2018. She finally integrated the ESA in November 2022 as part of the new promotion of astronaut where she begins her formation the past week!
Sophie Adenot has been awarded by the French Parliament for her inspiring actions towards gender equality in science; and her engagement in promoting the social outreach of the Isae-Supaero engineering programme, where she meets with students from disadvantaged regions, to encourage them to take up scientific and technical studies.
According to the UNESCO, the number of women in science remains relatively low with less than 30% of research scientist women. However, through her impressive career Sophie Adenot could be a good example that women have their place in the scientific field!
Learn more about Sophie Adenot and her engagement:
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Sophie_Adenot
