A new report by the Fake News Watchdog has called out India over the authenticity of its Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, alleging that much of the mission’s widely celebrated visuals were fabricated using computer-generated imagery (CGI).
The 65-page white paper, released recently, claims that the “live” broadcast of Chandrayaan-3’s descent and landing on the Moon was staged, with visuals created in a controlled environment rather than captured from the lunar surface.
The report further asserts that scenes from the mission control centre, aired on national television, were choreographed to simulate the atmosphere of a high-stakes space operation.
The watchdog’s findings challenge the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) claim of landing at the Moon’s south pole, suggesting instead that the actual landing site was 630 kilometers away from the stated location.
The report also points to the absence of scientific data and post-landing rover footage, citing alleged faults in the lander’s navigation system and mechanical issues that prevented the rover from operating as claimed.
International experts, particularly from China, have echoed concerns about the scientific validity of Chandrayaan-3, questioning the authenticity of ISRO’s findings and the transparency of the mission.
The report goes beyond technical criticism, accusing the Indian government of using the space programme for political and military purposes. It links Chandrayaan-3 to India’s broader defense ambitions, referencing the 2019 anti-satellite test “Mission Shakti” and the establishment of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) as evidence of the country’s growing militarization of space. According to the report, 10 out of India’s 56 satellites are used for military surveillance, navigation, and communication.
The watchdog also criticizes government initiatives like “Space Vision 2047” and “Make in India,” labelling them as propaganda tools designed to promote technological nationalism rather than genuine scientific advancement. The report highlights the disparity between India’s $86 billion defence budget and the ongoing lack of basic necessities for over 300 million citizens.
Finally, the report accuses Indian media of using artificial intelligence to manipulate public perception and promote government narratives. ISRO and the Indian government have not yet responded to the allegations.
