Russian cosmonaut removed from ISS mission for stealing secret tech
04 Dec 2025

Oleg Artemyev, a senior Russian cosmonaut with 560 days of space experience, has been removed from the upcoming International Space Station (ISS) mission.

The decision comes after he was allegedly caught photographing sensitive SpaceX technology during training at the company's headquarters in Hawthorne, California.

He was scheduled to fly to the ISS in February 2026 as part of SpaceX's Crew-12 four-member mission.

Artemyev's replacement and allegations of ITAR violations
Replacement details

Artemyev has been replaced by Andrei Fedyayev for the upcoming mission.

The change was made after he allegedly violated US national security regulations by photographing SpaceX documentation and exporting classified information via his phone.

The Insider reported that the 54-year-old was removed for violating International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a law designed to protect national security by controlling the export of sensitive information and technology.

Investigation launched into Artemyev's actions
Inquiry initiated

An interdepartmental investigation has been launched into Artemyev's alleged actions.

Gregory Trishkin, a launch analyst, confirmed the violation and said that "removing someone two and a half months before a mission without giving a proper reason is an indirect sign."

He further added that "it's very difficult to imagine a situation in which an experienced cosmonaut could inadvertently commit such a gross violation."

Roscosmos's statement on Artemyev's mission removal
Official response

Responding to the allegations, Russian space agency Roscosmos said that Artemyev was removed from the mission due to his transfer to another job.

However, The Insider reports this is not the real reason behind the decision.

Artemyev has been to ISS three times before and spent several months at the space laboratory each time.