Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev was unexpectedly removed from the crew of the SpaceX Crew 12 mission, which is scheduled to depart for the International Space Station (ISS) in February. Officially, Roscosmos representatives announced that Artemyev was being transferred to another position, but there is a much more serious reason behind this decision. According to several sources, the cosmonaut is suspected of violating American laws related to national security, which led to his suspension from the flight.
The scandal erupted after it became known that during training at the SpaceX base in Hawthorne, California, Artemyev allegedly photographed technical documentation and engine details using his mobile phone. These actions fell under the strict ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) rules, which restrict the dissemination of sensitive information and technology outside the United States. Reports claim that the cosmonaut not only took pictures but also attempted to transfer the materials abroad.
Investigation and consequences
An internal investigation was launched immediately after the incident was discovered. American security specialists and NASA representatives were informed of the potential data breach. According to experts, such a serious violation by an experienced cosmonaut is highly unusual. Normally, such actions result in immediate suspension from all international programs and may lead to further sanctions.
As a result, Artemyev was promptly replaced by another Russian cosmonaut, Andrey Fedyaev. Officials simply stated he was ‘transferred to another position,’ without elaborating. However, the professional community has no doubt: this was a serious incident that could impact future cooperation between the Russian and U.S. space agencies.
Reaction and context
The situation sparked widespread discussion both in Russia and abroad. Many experts point out that such cases are extremely rare, especially among highly experienced cosmonauts. Artemyev has flown to the ISS three times, spending a total of 560 days in space. His most recent mission began in March 2022, shortly after the start of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In July 2022, Artemyev and his crewmates found themselves at the center of another scandal after taking photos onboard the ISS with flags of the self-proclaimed Donbas republics. At the time, NASA and the European Space Agency strongly condemned the use of the station for political purposes, emphasizing that the ISS should remain apolitical.
The future of Crew 12 mission
Despite the incident, preparations for the Crew 12 launch are moving forward. The crew still includes Andrey Fedyaev, European Space Agency representative Sophie Adenot, and two more astronauts whose names have not yet been disclosed. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than February 15, with the mission expected to last about six months in orbit.
SpaceX and NASA have not yet commented on the situation with Artemyev. In professional circles, there is ongoing discussion about the possible implications for future joint projects, as well as the potential tightening of access rules for foreign specialists working with American technologies. Experts do not rule out that this incident could lead to a review of safety procedures and stricter controls over information exchange in international space programs.
In case you didn’t know, Oleg Artemyev is one of Russia’s most experienced cosmonauts, having taken part in three long-term expeditions to the ISS. He began his career at Roscosmos in the early 2000s and over the years has built a reputation as a reliable crew member. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has been regularly sending astronauts to the ISS since 2020 under the NASA program. The Crew Dragon missions are considered among the most advanced and safest in modern spaceflight.
