Shortly after India launched its PSLV-C61 rocket carrying the EOS-09 satellite, several Pakistan-based social media accounts began spreading misleading claims. They alleged the mission failed due to a cyber attack, with some even suggesting the rocket exploded mid-air. While ISRO did report a technical issue during the rocket’s third stage, there is no evidence of any cyber attack or sabotage.
Serial fake news peddler and Pakistan-based propaganda account @NavCom24 wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“BREAKING: India’s largest spy satellite launch failed today due to a cyber attack, rocket exploded mid course.”
#BREAKING: India's largest spy satellite launch failed today due to a cyber attack, rocket exploded mid course. pic.twitter.com/m8DVkJRXnk
— Ironclad (@NavCom24) May 18, 2025
Additionally, several other users, influencers, and propagandists amplified the false claim. Notably, posts from @TacticalTribun and @rkmtimes also circulated similar disinformation.
But is there any truth to these claims about PSLV-C61? Absolutely not.
When a viral post started circulating online, it caught our attention. The D-Intent Data team decided to dig deeper. We reviewed official news reports, checked international sources, and conducted our own investigation. We found that ISRO did acknowledge a technical issue during the third stage of the rocket launch, but there’s absolutely no evidence pointing to a cyber attack or any form of sabotage. In fact, ISRO Chief V. Narayanan, in a statement reported by ANI, confirmed that “the mission could not be accomplished” due to an observation during the third stage, and that a detailed analysis is underway. The launch took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and ISRO has not released any statement suggesting foreign interference. As for the dramatic claims about the rocket “exploding mid-flight”—those are completely false and exaggerated. It appears this is yet another instance of misinformation getting ahead of the facts.
It was a technical glitch, not a hack, that affected the rocket.Since there is no credible proof to back up claims of cyberattacks, they are irrational and unfounded.
What about the part about the explosion? Completely fictitious.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) May 18, 2025
ANALYSIS: Unsubstantiated
FACT: Pakistan-based propaganda accounts are spreading false claims that India’s largest spy satellite launch failed due to a cyber attack, alleging the rocket exploded mid-flight. These claims are untrue. According to reports, (1/3) pic.twitter.com/I9IhCSD36n
Intent:
The purpose of these baseless accusations is to undermine India’s scientific achievements and raise doubts about ISRO’s progress. Some accounts are spreading false sabotage claims in an effort to dominate the discourse, create anxiety, and garner attention. It is not just dishonest but also manipulative.
Claim: India’s PSLV-C61 spy satellite launch failed due to a cyberattack, and the rocket exploded midair.
This claim was spread by propaganda accounts based in Pakistan.
Fact: The PSLV-C61 mission did not fail because of a cyberattack. While ISRO acknowledged a technical issue during the rocket’s third stage, there was no explosion, and no evidence of hacking or sabotage. These claims are false and misleading.
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