Sophie Adenot, a French astronaut with the European Space Agency, is about to step outside the International Space Station for the first time. She will not be alone. NASA astronaut Anil Menon will join her for U.S. Spacewalk 97, a mission to replace a Space-to-Ground antenna that keeps the station connected to Mission Control in Houston. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at approximately 14:35 CEST on August 11, 2026, with live coverage starting at 13:00 CEST on ESA WebTV and ESA's YouTube channel.
A critical antenna swap high above Earth
The antenna they will replace is not a minor piece of hardware. It provides the high-speed data and voice links that allow astronauts to communicate with teams on the ground. Without it, the station would lose a vital channel for commands, telemetry, and conversations. The replacement is part of routine maintenance, but the stakes are high because the system is essential for daily operations.
Why this spacewalk matters for Europe
Adenot's first spacewalk marks a milestone for ESA and for France. She is one of the agency's newest astronauts, and stepping outside the station is a demanding task that requires months of training. The event also highlights the close collaboration between ESA and NASA, as the two agencies work together on the ISS. For European space enthusiasts, watching Adenot float outside the station is a moment of pride and a sign of Europe's active role in human spaceflight.
The spacewalk will be broadcast live, giving people around the world a chance to watch the antenna replacement in real time. The video is also available for download, with captions in multiple languages. Adenot's mission is part of a longer stay on the station, where she has already conducted experiments and participated in fitness tests. This spacewalk adds a new chapter to her journey, and it is a step forward for ESA's human spaceflight program.
As Adenot and Menon work outside the station, they will rely on their training, their tools, and each other. The antenna replacement is a precise job, but it is also a symbol of what humans can achieve when they cooperate across borders. For now, the world can watch as two astronauts perform a routine but crucial task, 400 kilometers above Earth.
