A Russian cosmonaut, Oleg Artemyev, has been removed from SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission following a suspected breach of U.S. national security regulations. The incident, first reported by Russian investigative outlet The Insider, suggests Artemyev allegedly photographed classified SpaceX documentation and attempted to export the information via his mobile phone.
Details of the Alleged Breach
According to sources cited by The Insider, the violation occurred during Artemyev’s training at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The cosmonaut reportedly photographed proprietary SpaceX engine designs and other sensitive technology. This behavior is a direct contravention of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), U.S. law designed to prevent the unauthorized dissemination of defense-related technologies.
Roscosmos Response and Replacement
Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, confirmed Artemyev’s removal but stated the decision was due to a “transfer to another job.” However, launch analyst Gregory Trishkin, who spoke with The Insider, believes the explanation is misleading: “Removing someone from a mission two and a half months before launch without a clear reason… is indicative.” Andrei Fedyayev will now take Artemyev’s place on the mission.
Broader Context: Tensions in Space Cooperation
This incident occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, Artemyev and other Russian cosmonauts drew criticism for displaying separatist flags from Ukraine on the International Space Station (ISS), prompting condemnation from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The ISS is meant to be a neutral space for international scientific cooperation, and such actions undermine that principle.
Impact on Crew-12 Mission
Crew-12, SpaceX’s twelfth operational astronaut mission to the ISS, is still scheduled for launch no earlier than February 15. The crew will include cosmonaut Andrei Fedyayev, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and two additional astronauts yet to be named. The situation raises questions about the future of U.S.-Russian space cooperation and the enforcement of security protocols in joint missions.
This event underscores how even in the realm of space exploration, geopolitical realities and security concerns can disrupt collaborative efforts. It also highlights the sensitivity around technology transfer and the strict enforcement of ITAR regulations, even among international partners.
