Paris (France) (AFP) – Three weeks after her return from Earth and her eight months in space, French astronaut Sophie Adenot continues her readjustment to terrestrial life and admitted Monday that going to the Moon would be "a dream".

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 14:37

“I want to continue in this profession and try to contribute to going a little further in space exploration,” explained Sophie Adenot on Monday during a press conference organized at the Paris headquarters of the European Space Agency (ESA).

“The Moon, how beautiful it is!”, she said, when asked about particular memories that still stick in her mind. Then, later, when asked about whether going to the Moon was in her sights: "in the viewfinder, that's not the expression I would use because I like it to remain in a dream state. Yes, it makes me dream of going to walk on the Moon. But no, I won't make it a goal even if it means doing anything," she stressed.

The return of the Americans to the lunar surface is now planned for the 4th mission of the Artemis program in 2028.

Italian Luca Parmitano was chosen last summer to become the first European to take part in a mission in the American lunar program. Alongside three Americans, within Artemis III, he will test two moonlanders near Earth in 2027.

"I will remain upright in my boots, authentic. And if one day these missions should take me to walk on the Moon, I will be delighted to do so and very honored to be entrusted with this great responsibility. I am well aware that it is completely out of my control, it is not me who will decide. But if this responsibility is entrusted to me, I will honor it with the biggest smile, the greatest joy and I will share it with a lot of emotion because, yes, I dream of it,” she admitted.

© 2026 AFP

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