"Me too, I want to go to space!" – Maternelle Popincourt Participates in the ChlorISS Experiment with Astronaut Sophie Adenot

Paris – 07.06.2026: In Paris’s 11th arrondissement, children from École Popincourt took part in the ChlorISS experiment, conducted by French astronaut Sophie Adenot aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The goal of the experiment is to investigate the effects of light on plant growth.

The ChlorISS initiative was developed by the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) in collaboration with Sorbonne Université, the French Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It aims to bring scientific experiments closer to students from primary school through high school and to promote interest in space exploration.

As part of the project, seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and the mizuna plant are germinated both aboard the ISS and in classrooms on Earth. The students observe the growth of the plants under different light conditions and compare their results with those of Sophie Adenot in space.

At École Popincourt, the children enthusiastically participated in the experiment. They prepared the seeds, planted them, and documented the growth process. This hands-on experience allowed them to develop a better understanding of biological processes and sparked the desire in some to become astronauts themselves.

The ChlorISS initiative is part of a series of educational projects designed to encourage students’ interest in science and space exploration. By directly participating in real scientific experiments, students gain insight into the work of scientists and the importance of research in space.

The results of the experiment will not only contribute to scientific research but also help students develop a deeper understanding of the effects of light and gravity on plant growth. Such projects play a crucial role in promoting science education and inspiring the next generation of researchers and explorers.

Overall, the ChlorISS project demonstrates how educational initiatives and scientific research can go hand in hand to spark and nurture students’ interest in the natural sciences. Through direct involvement in such projects, students can gain practical experience and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

École Popincourt is just one of many schools participating in this innovative educational project. Initiatives like this are essential for fostering students’ enthusiasm for science and technology and preparing them for future challenges in these fields.

In total, the ChlorISS project helps bridge the gap between scientific research and education, giving students the opportunity to actively participate in the discovery and understanding of the world around them.