Mission Epsilon — ESA × SpaceX Crew 12
Mission Epsilon is the European Space Agency's latest crewed mission to the International Space Station. French astronaut Sophie Adenot, a former helicopter test pilot, joins the Crew 12 mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Sophie Adenot
Sophie Adenot is a French ESA astronaut selected in 2022. A lieutenant-colonel in the French Air and Space Force, she is a helicopter test pilot with over 3,000 flight hours. She is the first French woman to fly to the ISS since Claudie Haigneré in 2001.
Launch Vehicle
SpaceX Crew Dragon — the most reliable crewed spacecraft currently in operation. Fully autonomous docking with the ISS, with capacity for 7 astronauts.
Mission Objectives
Microgravity Research
Over 50 experiments in biology, physics, and material sciences will be conducted during the 6-month stay aboard the ISS.
European Technology Demonstration
Testing new ESA technologies for life support, communications, and future deep-space missions.
STEM Outreach
Live educational broadcasts with schools across Europe to inspire the next generation of scientists and astronauts.
Health & Human Physiology
Studies on the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, key data for future lunar and Mars missions.