French Astronaut Sophie Adenot Completes Historic Spacewalk After Delay
Listen to the story
French astronaut Sophie Adenot has made history by becoming the first French woman to perform a spacewalk. She is currently working on the International Space Station, which orbits about 400 kilometers above Earth.
During her time outside the station, Adenot faced an unexpected problem. A bolt could not be removed as planned, which caused delays. As a result, the end of her mission task was postponed.
Such technical problems are not unusual during spacewalks, since astronauts work with complex equipment in a very difficult environment. Every task must be done carefully, often taking longer than planned.
Thomas Pesquet, another well-known French astronaut, commented on Adenot's spacewalk. He explained that astronauts prepare for these missions by training in a large pool, which simulates weightlessness. However, he noted that real space is very different from training underwater.
Pesquet's comment highlights how challenging and unpredictable spacewalks can be, even for well-prepared astronauts. Despite the delay caused by the bolt issue, Adenot successfully completed her historic spacewalk.
Her achievement marks an important moment for France's space program and adds to the country's growing list of contributions to international space missions.
Vocabulary5 words
- spacewalk
- activity where an astronaut leaves their spacecraft and works in space
- International Space Station
- a large station in space where astronauts from different countries live and work
- bolt
- a small metal piece used to fasten parts together
- pool
- a large tank of water used to practice movements in space
- weightlessness
- the feeling of having no weight, like floating
Quiz
Answer key
1. First French woman to perform a spacewalk 2. A bolt that would not come off 3. It is not the same as real space
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot has made _____ by becoming the first French woman to perform a _____.
She is currently working on the International Space Station, which _____ about 400 kilometers above Earth.
During her time outside the station, Adenot faced an unexpected _____. A bolt could not be _____ as planned, which caused delays.
As a result, the end of her mission task was _____.
Thomas Pesquet, another well-known French astronaut, _____ on Adenot's spacewalk.
He explained that astronauts prepare for these missions by training in a large _____, which simulates weightlessness.
However, he noted that real space is very _____ from training underwater.
Despite the delay caused by the bolt issue, Adenot successfully _____ her historic spacewalk.