In a significant shake-up within Russia’s space agency, President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Yuri Borisov from his role as head of Roscosmos, according to an announcement from the Kremlin on Thursday. This move comes at a time when Russia’s once-prominent space program is struggling to keep pace with international competitors.
New leadership aims to revive Russia’s space program
Taking over the reins of Roscosmos is Dmitry Bakanov, a former deputy minister at the transport ministry. Bakanov also has experience managing Russia’s Gonets communication satellite program, and his appointment signals the Kremlin’s intent to revitalize the nation’s space initiatives.
Despite facing numerous setbacks in recent years, Roscosmos has attempted to undertake ambitious missions. Unfortunately, in 2023, the agency encountered a significant failure, as it could not successfully land the Luna-25 probe at the moon’s south pole. This failure meant Russia lost to India in the race to explore this resource-rich area of the lunar surface.
Impact of geopolitical tensions on space collaboration
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022, Russia’s collaboration with Western nations in space endeavors has sharply diminished. The International Space Station is projected to be retired shortly after 2030, with indications that Russia may withdraw from the station even sooner. Additionally, Roscosmos withdrew its engineers from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana, leaving behind costly rockets due to the ongoing conflict.
Nonetheless, Russia’s space cooperation has pivoted towards enhancing ties with North Korea, and American intelligence has raised concerns regarding the potential for Russia to deploy nuclear weapons in orbit. Furthermore, Russia is actively involved as a junior partner in China’s ambitious plans to establish a lunar base.
“The ousted Borisov only replaced Dmitry Rogozin — a key Putin ally who sparred with Elon Musk on X — as director general of Roscosmos in 2022.”