Posted: Fri, Mar 12, 2004, 11:07 AM ET (1607 GMT)
Yuri Koptev, the longtime head of the Russian space agency, will retire and be replaced by the head of the Russian Space Forces, RIA Novosti reported Thursday. The news comes just days after a major reorganization of the Russian government that included renaming the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, or Rosaviakosmos, to the Federal Space Agency, and removing aircraft from its mandate. At that time Koptev was reportedly slated to remain in charge, but sources told RIA Novosti that he will be replaced by Anatoly Perminov, the head of the Russian Space Forces military branch. The report gave no indication whether Koptev, who will turn 64 on Saturday, is retiring voluntarily or is being forced out. No official announcement about the leadership change has been announced. Koptev has led the Russian space agency since its formation in 1992.

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•  RIA Novosti article