Putin Replaces Russian Space Agency Chief After Years of Setbacks

Yuri Borisov is ousted from Roscosmos leadership following high-profile failures and corruption allegations, replaced by Dmitry Bakanov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Yuri Borisov as head of the Roscosmos space agency after less than three years in the role.
Borisov's tenure was marked by the crash of the Luna-25 lunar probe in 2023, Russia's first mission to the Moon in 47 years, and ongoing challenges in the space program.
Dmitry Bakanov, a 39-year-old former deputy transport minister and satellite company head, has been named as Borisov's replacement.
Roscosmos has faced declining global competitiveness, corruption scandals, and strained international cooperation due to geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine.
Russia plans to launch its own orbital station by 2027, as it prepares to exit the aging International Space Station by 2028.