Maxim Kharlamov is stepping down from his position as head of the Yu. A. Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (CTC) at his own request. Starting November 10, 2025, Oleg Kononenko, the commander of the cosmonaut detachment and Hero of Russia, will temporarily serve as the acting head of the CTC, according to Roscosmos.

Kononenko recently returned to Earth on September 23, 2024, with Nikolai Chub, after a record-breaking stay on the International Space Station (ISS). The cosmonauts spent over 370 days on the station.

Kharlamov’s career at the Cosmonaut Training Center began in 1989 as an assistant to the leading engineer. Throughout his career, Kharlamov participated in training Russian and international crews for the Mir station and the ISS. He also contributed to developing the CTC’s training facilities and conducting research. Kharlamov became the head of the CTC in 2021.

Roscosmos noted Kharlamov’s awards, including the Medal of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” II degree and the Order of Honor. He also received departmental awards from Roscosmos, FMBA, and SVR.