European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot has returned to Earth after completing a 237-day stay aboard the International Space Station, the agency announced on October 12, 2026.
Mission details and splashdown
Adenot spent 237 days in orbit and completed more than 3,700 orbits around Earth aboard the station. According to ESA, the stay marks the longest mission in space by a European astronaut so far.
The return followed a handover to Crew-13. Adenot and her Crew-12 crewmates undocked from the orbital complex on October 7 and splashed down off the coast of California the following day.
Return to Europe and rehabilitation
Now back in Europe, Adenot will begin post-flight data collection and rehabilitation while readjusting to life on Earth, ESA stated.
The announcement was shared by ESA alongside footage documenting the landing sequence and her return.
Key facts and where they come from
- Sophie Adenot completed 237 days and more than 3,700 orbits aboard the International Space Station.
After 237 days and over 3,700 orbits around Earth aboard the International Space Station, Sophie Adenot is back on Earth!
- Adenot and Crew-12 undocked on October 7 after handing over to Crew-13 and splashed down off California on October 8.
Following a handover to Crew-13, Sophie and her Crew-12 crewmates undocked on 7 October and splashed down off the coast of California the next day.
- Adenot's stay represents the longest mission in space by a European astronaut to date.
readjusting to life on Earth after the longest mission in space by a European astronaut so far.
- Back in Europe, Adenot will undergo rehabilitation and post-flight data collection.
Now back in Europe, Sophie will begin her post-flight data collection and rehabilitation while readjusting to life on Earth