@exploration.esa.int
Sharing news on Europe's human and robotic exploration, from astronaut training to the next giant leap to the Moon and Mars.
@exploration.esa.intHome, but still on mission 👩🚀✨
Over the coming weeks, Sophie will take part in post-flight monitoring, scientific studies and rehabilitation activities at @dlr-spaceagency.bsky.social’s :envihab facility and @esa.int's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne 🇩🇪
#εpsilon
@exploration.esa.int
@exploration.esa.int
@exploration.esa.int@exploration.esa.int
@exploration.esa.int🌍 Back on Earth!
Our Image Of The Week captures ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s first moments back on our planet after nearly eight months in space on her εpsilon mission. 🚀
Welcome home, Sophie! 🫶
@exploration.esa.int🧪 Farewell, FSL.
After more than 18 years aboard the International Space Station, @esa.int's Fluid Science Laboratory begins its final chapter.
Today astronauts start disassembling one of the longest-serving science facilities in Europe's Columbus laboratory.
🔗 www.esa.int/Science_Expl...
@exploration.esa.int🧭 Lunar Pathfinder is the first element of Moonlight, ESA's future communications and navigation service for the Moon.
🔗 Find out more: www.esa.int/Science_Expl...
@exploration.esa.int📡 Making sure lunar spacecraft can’t ghost Earth.
@esa.int’s Lunar Pathfinder will relay data between Earth and spacecraft operating on and around the Moon 🌕
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvC6...
@esa.intReposted by @exploration.esa.int@esa.intReposted by @exploration.esa.intMission accomplished. ✅
After 237 days in space, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot has returned safely to Earth, concluding her record-breaking #εpsilon mission packed with science, technology demonstrations and three spacewalks.
Welcome home, Sophie!!
Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
@exploration.esa.intThere she is! ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot is helped out of Dragon Freedom and takes her first breaths of fresh air after nearly eight months in space. 🌍
We’re so happy to see you, Sophie! #εpsilon
@exploration.esa.intDragon Freedom is safely aboard Shannon, securely resting in what the teams call the “Dragon nest”. ✅
The spacecraft will now be moved into position for the side hatch to be opened and the Crew-12 astronauts to be helped out one by one.
@exploration.esa.int🏗️ There she goes!
Dragon Freedom is now being lifted out of the Pacific Ocean and aboard the SpaceX recovery vessel Shannon.
@exploration.esa.int🚢 The SpaceX recovery vessel Shannon is standing by to recover Dragon Freedom and its crew from the Pacific Ocean.
Once aboard, Sophie and her Crew-12 crewmates will be helped out of the spacecraft.
@exploration.esa.intRecovery teams aboard the first fast boats are now approaching Dragon and carrying out initial safety checks around the spacecraft.
Once cleared, the recovery operation can begin.
@exploration.esa.int🪂 🌊 Splashdown!
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and her Crew-12 crewmates have safely returned to Earth aboard Dragon Freedom. 🌍
This moment marks the end of the orbital phase of the #εpsilon mission.
Welcome home, Sophie!
@exploration.esa.int🪂 Main parachutes deployed! ✅
Four chutes are now slowing Dragon Freedom down for the final descent towards the Pacific Ocean. 🌊
@exploration.esa.int🪂 Drogue parachutes deployed ✅
The two drogues help slow and stabilise Dragon before the four main parachutes deploy.
@exploration.esa.intSignal acquired! 📡✅
Dragon Freedom is back in contact as Sophie and her Crew-12 crewmates continue their descent towards the Pacific Ocean.
