On 5 January 2026, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot planted an American sweetgum tree at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, to mark her first mission to space, εpsilon. This tradition celebrates her achievements and the connection between space explorers and Earth. Sophie was joined by Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. Her mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch no earlier than 15 February 2026.