For the first time, Kenyan students had the opportunity to speak directly with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a major milestone in the country’s space education journey.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) successfully hosted Kenya’s first live Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on August 5, 2026, at Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Academy.
The historic radio session connected students with European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, who was aboard the International Space Station, giving learners a rare opportunity to ask questions and interact with someone living and working in space.
During the live contact, students asked Adenot about life in orbit, astronaut training, scientific experiments conducted aboard the ISS and the future of space exploration.
The interaction offered Kenyan learners a firsthand experience of space science while highlighting the opportunities available through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Sophie Adenot Journey From Engineering Student to Estronaut
Before becoming an astronaut, Sophie Adenot built a career that combined engineering, aviation, research and human spaceflight.
Born in France in 1982, Adenot developed an interest in aircraft and technology from an early stage. She studied engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse, France, one of the world’s leading aerospace institutions, where she specialized in spacecraft and aircraft flight dynamics.
After completing her engineering studies, she moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Science degree in human factors engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
While at MIT, Adenot was part of the Man-Vehicle Laboratory, where her research examined how the human body adapts to artificial gravity. Her work focused on understanding the challenges humans face when operating in unusual environments — knowledge that is important for future space missions.
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A career built in the skies
In 2005, Adenot joined the French Air Force, beginning a career that would take her from military aviation to space exploration.
She trained as a helicopter pilot and later served as a search and rescue pilot at Cazaux Air Base, taking part in missions in challenging environments.
Between 2012 and 2017, she served in the High Authority Transport Squadron in Villacoublay, where she worked as a formation flight leader and mission captain.
Her aviation career later took her into experimental flight testing. From 2019 to 2022, Adenot worked as a helicopter experimental test pilot at France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) Flight Test Centre in Cazaux.
During her flying career, she accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours across 22 different helicopter types. She also holds a military parachute licence, a light aircraft pilot licence and a glider pilot licence.
Becoming part of Europe’s astronaut class
Adenot’s path to space took a major step forward in November 2022 when she was selected as one of the European Space Agency’s astronaut candidates.
She began ESA’s one-year basic astronaut training programme in April 2023, undergoing preparation in areas including space systems, robotics, scientific research, survival training and operations aboard spacecraft.
Adenot completed her astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre and was certified as an ESA astronaut on April 22, 2024.
She launched to the International Space Station on 13 February 2026 for a nine-month mission called εpsilon.
More than an astronaut
Beyond her technical achievements, Adenot has also been involved in science communication and inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM.
She has spent more than 15 years participating in scientific outreach programmes, motivational talks and educational activities aimed at encouraging children to explore science and technology.
Adenot has also been recognized for her contributions beyond aviation and space. She was awarded the French National Order of Merit (Chevalier) in 2022.
She also received the French National Assembly medal for her work as an ambassador for gender equality in science in 2021.
In 2020, she was named a Young Leader by the French American Foundation.
Adenot is fluent in French and English and also speaks German and Russian, with knowledge of Spanish.
Outside her professional life, she enjoys mountain sports, including skiing and mountain biking. She is also a certified yoga teacher, holds a scuba diving license, and is trained in skydiving.
Inspiring Kenya’s next generation of scientists
For the Kenyan students who participated in the ARISS contact, the conversation was more than a call with an astronaut — it was an opportunity to see how education, determination and curiosity can open doors to careers beyond Earth.
Adenot’s journey from an engineering student in France to a helicopter pilot, test pilot and astronaut demonstrated the possibilities created through science and innovation.
The Kenya Space Agency said the ARISS contact provided an inspiring educational experience for Kenyan learners, encouraging interest in space science and exploration.
Through the historic connection, Kenyan students joined a global community of young people engaging directly with astronauts and gaining a closer understanding of humanity’s future in space.
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