# @europeanspaceagency on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DLIbS3PNSAU
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/35582102-europeanspaceagency-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/50ceaec8c8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-20T17:52:28.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** J.L.Lopez (@xandler80) — https://gondola.cc/xandler80

## Caption

Introducing εpsilon 🐦✨

We’re excited to reveal the name and patch of soph_astro’s first mission to the International Space Station: εpsilon. This name celebrates the power of small, yet impactful contributions and how multiple parts unite to create a whole.

So, why εpsilon?
In mathematics, ε stands for something small — a perfect metaphor for the astronaut’s role as one part of a much larger mission. It’s also the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet and the fifth-brightest star in the Leo constellation, paying tribute to the five career astronauts of our 2022 class.

The patch is full of hidden messages:
- At the centre, a hummingbird; Though one of Earth’s smallest birds, it plays a crucial role in the jungle’s ecosystem, pollinating numerous plants. A symbol of how something small can make a vital difference.
- A shooting star tail flowing from the “i” in εpsilon, a poetic reminder that dreams keep us alive.
- Three dots in blue, white and red, representing France and our exploration goals: Earth, the Moon and Mars.
- A blue arc at the bottom, reflecting Earth’s natural beauty and reminding us why we explore space — to learn and bring knowledge back home.

Sophie’s mission is planned for 2026. It will include European-led science, medical research, Earth observation and more, all from aboard the ISS.

This patch invites each of us to embrace the potential of our smallest actions as they ripple outward, touching hearts and inspiring souls.

📸 Preparing for the introduction of εpsilon: europeanspaceagency - M.Cowan
🖥️ εpsilon patch: ESA
📸 Astronaut basic training: parabolic flight: ESA – A. Conigli
📸 NBL training with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot: ESA/NASA – B. STAFFORD
📸 Astronaut basic training: spacewalk simulation for Sophie: ESA
📸 Astronaut basic training: VR robotics training: ESA
📸 Video Call with French President emmanuelmacron : ESA-M.Cowan
📸 Sophie Adenot video calling salondubourget : ESA - P. Servent
📸 Presenting εpsilon to French President Emmanuel Macron: ESA - P. Servent

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 8,425
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- **Comments:** 64

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ESA - European Space Agency | @europeanspaceagency | https://gondola.cc/europeanspaceagency | Government Organization |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Producer |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Editor |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Social Media Manager |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Publisher |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Copywriter |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Community Manager |

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