Islamabad, July 1, 2025: A recent 65-page report by the Fake News Watchdog has stirred major controversy by claiming that India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission was largely staged using computer-generated imagery (CGI). According to the report, visuals celebrated worldwide as a lunar success were actually produced in a controlled studio environment—not on the Moon’s surface.
The report challenges the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s claim of landing at the Moon’s south pole, alleging the actual landing occurred 630 kilometers away. It further asserts that the mission’s “live” footage was fabricated and mission control scenes were staged to mimic a high-pressure space event.
In a deeper blow to ISRO’s credibility, the report notes the lack of scientific data and operational rover footage after landing. It attributes this to alleged mechanical faults and navigation errors that rendered the lander and rover ineffective.
Experts, especially from China, have echoed these doubts, questioning both the scientific accuracy and transparency of India’s lunar mission. The document further accuses India of using Chandrayaan-3 as a political and military showpiece, tying it to the 2019 “Mission Shakti” anti-satellite test and the creation of the Defence Space Agency (DSA).
Currently, 10 of India’s 56 satellites are reportedly used for military surveillance and communication, raising global concerns over space militarisation. The report also criticises government initiatives like “Make in India” and “Space Vision 2047,” branding them as tools of technological propaganda.
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With a defence budget exceeding $86 billion, the report highlights a growing disconnect between India’s ambitious space spending and the poverty faced by over 300 million of its citizens. It also accuses Indian media of using AI to manipulate public perception in favour of the government.
As of now, ISRO and the Indian government have not issued any official response to the explosive claims.
