This article summarizes reporting by The Insider and United24 Media.

Russian Cosmonaut Removed from SpaceX Crew-12 Following Alleged Security Breach

In a significant development for international space cooperation, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev has been removed from the upcoming SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). While official channels cite a routine career move, investigative reporting suggests the removal stems from a serious violation of U.S. export control laws involving unauthorized photography of sensitive Space-Agencies technology.

According to reporting by The Insider and United24 Media, the incident occurred at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California, in late November 2025. The mission, targeting a launch in February 2026, will proceed with a replacement cosmonaut, Andrey Fedyaev, taking the empty seat. The abrupt change in personnel less than three months before Launch has raised questions regarding security protocols within the NASA-Roscosmos “seat-swap” program.

Allegations of ITAR Violations

The core of the controversy involves the alleged mishandling of proprietary technology protected under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Sources cited by The Insider claim that during a training session, Artemyev used a personal smartphone to photograph confidential internal documents and SpaceX rocket engines. These images were reportedly removed from the secure facility, constituting a potential “deemed export” violation under U.S. law.

ITAR regulations are notoriously strict regarding foreign nationals. Merely exposing technical data to a non-U.S. person can be considered an export; photographing and removing that data is a severe breach. Launch analyst Georgy Trishkin, referenced in the reports, noted that removing a crew member this close to a mission without a medical justification is highly irregular, pointing toward a significant infraction rather than a standard administrative change.

Official Narratives vs. Reported Reality

There is a distinct divergence between the explanation provided by the Russian state space corporation and the details emerging from investigative journalists.

Roscosmos Statement

Roscosmos has publicly downplayed the event, attributing the personnel change to a career transition. In a statement regarding Artemyev’s removal, the agency said:

“In connection with his transfer to another job.”

, Roscosmos official statement

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Silence from U.S. Partners

As of this writing, neither NASA nor SpaceX has issued a detailed public comment confirming the specific allegations. This silence is consistent with standard operating procedures during active interagency investigations, particularly those involving sensitive ITAR compliance and international diplomatic partners.

Background: Oleg Artemyev

Oleg Artemyev is a veteran cosmonaut with significant experience, having logged 560 days in orbit across three previous ISS missions. However, his tenure has not been without political controversy. He currently serves as a deputy in the Moscow City Duma representing the “United Russia” party.

In July 2022, Artemyev drew international condemnation from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) after he and fellow cosmonauts posed with anti-Ukraine propaganda flags aboard the ISS. This prior conduct, combined with the new allegations of security breaches at SpaceX, complicates the narrative of his sudden departure from the Crew-12 manifest.

The Replacement: Andrey Fedyaev

To ensure the Crew-12 mission remains on schedule for early 2026, Roscosmos has appointed Andrey Fedyaev as the replacement. Fedyaev is considered a logical choice to minimize training delays; he previously flew on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission between March and September 2023. His familiarity with the Dragon spacecraft systems allows for a rapid integration into the crew, mitigating the operational impact of Artemyev’s removal.

AirPro News Analysis

The removal of a high-profile Russian cosmonaut from a U.S. commercial spacecraft highlights the fragility of the current “seat-swap” agreement. While the partnership was designed to ensure mixed crews on both Soyuz and Dragon vehicles for safety redundancy, incidents like this test the limits of technical cooperation amidst geopolitical tension.

From an operational standpoint, the breach raises serious questions about internal security enforcement at SpaceX. If the allegations are accurate, the ability of a foreign national to bring a recording device into a restricted area and photograph propulsion technology suggests a lapse in protocol that U.S. authorities will likely scrutinize heavily. However, the swift appointment of Fedyaev suggests that both NASA and Roscosmos are prioritizing the continuity of ISS operations over a prolonged diplomatic standoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ITAR?
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a U.S. regulatory regime that controls the manufacture, sale, and distribution of defense and space-related articles and services. It strictly limits access to sensitive technology by foreign nationals.

When is SpaceX Crew-12 scheduled to launch?
The mission is currently targeting a launch in February 2026.

Has Oleg Artemyev been banned from future flights?
While Roscosmos has only stated he is transferring to another job, ITAR violations can carry penalties including permanent bans from accessing U.S. aerospace facilities, which would effectively prevent him from flying on U.S. vehicles or training at NASA facilities in the future.

Sources

• United24 Media
• The Insider

This article is based on an official corporate news release from Boeing.

Boeing X-37B Accelerates “Learning at Pace” for U.S. Space Force

The U.S. Space Force is undergoing a significant strategic shift from static, long-duration satellite programs to rapid, iterative testing, a concept known as “learning at pace.” According to a recent corporate release from Boeing, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) has become the central engine for this strategy, enabling military scientists to test, return, and refine technologies with unprecedented speed.

By leveraging the reusable nature of the X-37B, the Space Force has established a “fly, fix, fly” cycle that compresses years of development into months. This capability was highlighted by two major events in 2025: the successful aerobraking maneuver and landing of the OTV-7 mission in March, and the rapid turnaround launch of OTV-8 in August.

Validating Dynamic Space Operations

A key focus of the recent missions has been the validation of “Dynamic Space Operations” (DSO). Unlike traditional satellites, which often remain in fixed orbits for 15 years or more due to fuel constraints, DSO requires assets that can maneuver freely to avoid threats or inspect other objects.

The Aerobraking Milestone

During the OTV-7 mission, which concluded with a landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 7, 2025, the X-37B successfully performed a novel aerobraking maneuver. Boeing reports that instead of expending fuel to lower its orbit, the spacecraft dipped into Earth’s upper atmosphere, utilizing atmospheric drag to decelerate and alter its trajectory.

This maneuver is critical for the future of military spaceflight. By conserving vast amounts of fuel, satellites can remain in orbit longer and maintain the energy reserves necessary for unexpected maneuvers. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, emphasized the importance of this achievement in a statement regarding the test:

“This first-of-a-kind maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain.”

Rapid Turnaround and OTV-8

Demonstrating the “pace” in “learning at pace,” the X-37B fleet underwent a rapid refurbishment following the March landing. According to mission data, the vehicle was prepped and relaunched for the OTV-8 mission in August 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. This turnaround of under six months underscores the program’s operational tempo.

The current OTV-8 mission is reportedly testing next-generation technologies essential for resilient space architecture. These include laser communications systems and quantum inertial sensors, which are designed to provide accurate navigation data even in environments where GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.

The “Fly, Fix, Fly” Feedback Loop

Boeing highlights that the X-37B’s primary value lies in its ability to return hardware to Earth for physical inspection, a capability not possible with traditional one-way satellite launches. This “learning loop” allows engineers to examine how materials degrade in the harsh space environment and refine designs based on physical evidence rather than telemetry alone.

Recent experiments have included:

• NASA Biological Research: OTV-7 carried plant seeds to test radiation effects. Returning these seeds allows scientists to grow them on Earth to identify genetic changes, which is vital data for future long-duration human spaceflight.
• Service Module Disposal: The program tested a new method for ejecting the service module to minimize space debris, aligning with “responsible space” protocols.

AirPro News Analysis

The emphasis on “learning at pace” appears to be a direct response to the accelerating capabilities of near-peer adversaries. With China operating its own reusable spaceplane, the Shenlong, the U.S. military is prioritizing speed of innovation over the longevity of individual assets. The X-37B has effectively transitioned from a platform often perceived by the public as a “spy plane” to a high-velocity technology incubator.

By mastering techniques like aerobraking, the U.S. Space Force is not just testing a single vehicle but validating a method to extend the life and maneuverability of future satellite constellations. If operational satellites can change orbits “for free” using physics rather than limited fuel reserves, they become significantly harder for adversaries to track or target, thereby enhancing the resilience of American space infrastructure.

Sources: Boeing, U.S. Space Force

This article summarizes reporting by Xinhua. Read the original reporting for full context.

LandSpace Zhuque-3 Reach Orbit on Maiden Flight, Narrowly Misses Recovery

On December 3, 2025, the Chinese private aerospace firm LandSpace conducted the Maiden-Flight of its Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) carrier rocket. According to reporting by Xinhua, the mission achieved a partial success: the vehicle successfully delivered its payload into the designated orbit, marking a significant step forward for China’s commercial space sector. However, the attempt to recover the reusable first-stage booster ended in a crash during the final landing phase.

The flight, which took place at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in northwest China, represents the country’s most advanced attempt to date to develop a fully reusable orbital-class rocket comparable to the SpaceX Falcon 9. While the primary objective of orbital insertion was met, the loss of the booster highlights the persistent challenges of vertical recovery technology.

Mission Overview and Outcome

The Zhuque-3 lifted off at approximately 12:00 PM local time. Xinhua reports that the rocket performed normally during the ascent, with the second stage separating correctly and entering the preset orbit. The payload for this test flight was a mass simulator designed to verify the rocket’s carrying capacity.

The Landing Anomaly

Following stage separation, the first-stage booster initiated a series of automated maneuvers intended to guide it back to a landing pad roughly 300 kilometers downrange in Minqin County. According to official statements from LandSpace, the booster successfully completed its boost-back and re-entry burns.

However, the recovery attempt failed in the final moments. Data indicates that the booster suffered “anomalous combustion” during its final vertical landing burn. Consequently, the vehicle could not achieve a soft touchdown and crashed near the designated recovery site. Despite the loss of the hardware, LandSpace emphasized that the mission provided critical flight data to refine future guidance and control algorithms.

Technical Architecture: China’s Answer to Stainless Steel Reusability

The Zhuque-3 is distinct in the Chinese market for its choice of materials and propellant, mirroring the architectural philosophy of SpaceX’s Starship. The vehicle is constructed from high-strength stainless steel, chosen for its durability and resistance to the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry.

Propulsion and Specs

According to technical specifications released by LandSpace, the rocket stands approximately 66 meters (217 feet) tall with a diameter of 4.5 meters. It is powered by liquid oxygen-methane (methalox) engines, a fuel choice that burns cleaner than traditional kerosene, significantly reducing soot buildup and facilitating easier engine reuse.

• First Stage: Powered by nine Tianque-12A (TQ-12A) engines.
• Second Stage: Equipped with one TQ-15A vacuum engine.
• Capacity: The rocket is designed to lift approximately 21.3 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in expendable mode, or roughly 18.3 metric tons when the first stage is recovered downrange.

AirPro News Analysis

The Strategic Push for Reusability

While the landing failure is a setback, the successful orbital insertion of a methane-fueled, stainless-steel rocket places LandSpace at the forefront of China’s commercial space industry. In our view, this mission underscores the “fail-fast, learn-fast” methodology that has accelerated commercial spaceflight development globally.

The drive toward reusability is not merely technical but economic. With China planning strictly regulated mega-constellations, such as the Guowang and G60 Starlink networks, the demand for launch cadence is set to skyrocket. A reusable fleet is essential to reducing the cost per kilogram to orbit, allowing Chinese firms to compete directly with western launch providers. The Zhuque-3 is positioned to be a workhorse for these future deployments.

Future Outlook

LandSpace has indicated that it will investigate the specific cause of the landing anomaly before scheduling the next flight. Industry experts anticipate that future missions will likely carry commercial satellites while continuing to test first-stage recovery. Furthermore, the Zhuque-3 architecture is slated to eventually support the launch of the Haolong cargo shuttle, intended to service the Tiangong space station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zhuque-3?

The Zhuque-3 is a reusable, liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket developed by the Chinese private company LandSpace. It is designed to lower launch costs through first-stage recovery.

Was the mission a total failure?

No. The mission was a partial success. The rocket successfully reached orbit and deployed its payload. The failure was limited to the experimental recovery of the first-stage booster.

Why use stainless steel?

Stainless steel is used for its high strength, heat resistance, and lower cost compared to carbon fiber or aluminum-lithium alloys, making it ideal for reusable vehicles that face repeated re-entry heating.

Sources

• Xinhua
• LandSpace Official Statements (via industry reporting)