Sophie Adenot, astronaut: “Even if women are in the minority, it is competence, motivation and personality that are important”

Madame Figaro

First, an enormous joy and a certain serenity, because it ended eighteen months of uncertainty.

I also felt a great humility, like a keen sense of the responsibilities that awaited me.

And finally a gratitude towards the people who trusted me.

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Astronaut, is it a childhood dream?

I have always been a great dreamer, embarked on reading the adventure stories of Jules Verne, tales, novels, but also biographies of airmen, airwomen, astronauts.

I liked to look at the sky, I found inspiration there, by day to imagine that I was flying close to the clouds, by night marveling in front of the starry sky... I then built my professional career, engineer, helicopter pilot , then test pilot.

Many different professions can lead to the astronaut course, the path that I liked the most was aeronautics.

Space, why?

For the combination of many fields that have always attracted me: science, technology, exploration.

But also the human adventure.

We work as a team, with professionals of all nationalities.

I like to learn from other cultures, it allows you to progress on your own understanding of the world.

I want to be an ambassador for technology and science, to be able to inspire young people regardless of their origins

Sophie Adenot

Have you encountered any difficulties in this very masculine sector?

As a woman, clearly not.

I always said to myself that the time of the pioneers was behind us.

I consider that the professions that I exercised during my career had no gender.

Engineer, aviator, test pilot, then now astronaut candidate: even if women are in the minority, it is the skill that is important, as well as the motivation, the personality;

not gender or social origin.

I am happy to testify that one can succeed as a woman in scientific fields.

I want to be an ambassador for technology and science, to be able to inspire young people regardless of their origins.

We need passionate people.

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What to say to young women who dream of one day being in your place?

Girls, it's up to you!

Have confidence in yourself, believe in your dreams and work to achieve what you want to do.

Hard work and perseverance will open the doors to your future.

If one day some close, keep faith, others will open.

Sprinkle your journey with perseverance, a touch of audacity, to dare to launch yourself into unknown lands.

Believe in your star.