Splashdown and Orbital Record
Adenot splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Oct 8 aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the Crew-12 mission team. Describing the return journey, she noted the physical intensity of the recovery phase, including a difficult splashdown on Oct 9 where the capsule endured significant wave action for 25 minutes.
During her time in space, Adenot also achieved a historical milestone by becoming the first French female astronaut to perform a spacewalk, executing three separate excursions outside the orbital laboratory on Aug 18, Aug 25, and Sept 1.
Physiological Challenges and Rehabilitation
Upon her arrival at the European Space Agency (ESA) training centre in Cologne, Adenot appeared visibly weakened and required assistance from two ESA physicians. Spaceflight places significant physiological stress on the human body, inducing microgravity-related effects such as bone loss, muscle wasting, cardiovascular deconditioning, and visual disturbances.
According to The Straits Times, Adenot must now complete an intensive three-week recovery program to restore her pre-flight physical condition. Reflecting on the transition back to gravity, she described the experience as an astonishing cocktail of emotions, balancing the joy of returning home with immediate physiological hurdles.
Perspective From Above
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac in Cologne, occasionally brought to tears, Adenot shared her perspective of viewing the planet from 400 kilometres above. She observed that from orbit, there are no divisions or borders, but merely a single precious planet shared by all humanity.
Despite the physical difficulties of re-adapting to Earth’s gravity, Adenot recalled her initial lighthearted reaction when extraction commandos pulled her from the capsule, joking that she immediately asked to be sent back to space because life was much easier up there.