The claim that a Bangladeshi citizen is going to the Moon for the first time is misleading. Recent posts circulating on Facebook assert that Rutba Yasmin is set to become the first Bangladeshi to step on the Moon. However, a FactWatch investigation reveals that she only participated in a three-day workshop titled "Moon Pioneer Mission," organized by Space Nation. This program was a space mission simulation led by a former NASA astronaut, designed to offer participants an experience similar to that of a real space mission. It does not involve any actual lunar landing. Therefore, based on FactWatch’s assessment, the viral posts are considered misleading.
FactWatch Investigation: Rutba Yasmin is a Bangladeshi physicist, engineer, and astronaut who completed training as a participant in Space Nation’s "Moon Pioneer Mission 004." Following this, several Bangladeshi media outlets reported on her training, stating that she completed the program. Some of these reports further claimed that through this training, she is preparing to become the first Bangladeshi to land on the Moon.
Space Nation is an organization that focuses on space-related research and public engagement with space science. Its primary goal is to make space exploration accessible to the general public by offering training programs that simulate aspects of space travel.
One such initiative is the "Moon Pioneer Mission," a three-day Moon Mission Simulation program. It is designed to provide civilians with an experience similar to an actual space mission. It is not, however, a real lunar landing program.
Led by a former NASA astronaut, the program is educational and adventure-based, offering astronaut-style training to participants. It mimics lunar mission training but is not connected to any real mission to the Moon.
Furthermore, there is no confirmation from NASA or any other reliable authority that Rutba Yasmin is scheduled to travel to the Moon.
In essence, the claim that Rutba Yasmin is preparing to become the first Bangladeshi to land on the Moon stems from her participation in a three-day training simulation. Based on these facts, FactWatch has identified the viral posts as misleading.
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Fact-Check Alert
Please be aware of misleading information about Bangladesh politics on social media and verify sources before sharing.
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Before sharing any photocard, always verify it by checking the original media source.
Sharing religious misinformation and disinformation can cause harm. Always verify before sharing.