Identify the main satellite launching center in India

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C)  ​Wheeler Island

Wheeler Island, now known as Abdul Kalam Island, is located off the coast of Odisha, India, in the Bay of Bengal. It is an important site for India’s defense and missile testing programs.

• Location: Wheeler Island is situated about 10 kilometers from the coast of Dhamra in the Bhadrak district of Odisha.

• Significance: It is primarily known for being the site of India’s Integrated Test Range (ITR), a facility for testing missiles and other defense technologies. The island is used by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for missile launch tests.

• Name Change: The island was renamed Abdul Kalam Island in honor of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and a renowned missile scientist, who played a key role in developing India's missile technology.

• Missile Testing: Several successful missile tests, including the launch of the Agni and Prithvi missiles, have taken place at Wheeler Island. The island provides a controlled environment for such tests, ensuring safety and secrecy.

• Access: The island is a restricted area and is not open to the public due to its military significance.

Wheeler Island plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense capabilities through its contributions to missile development and testing.

Information booster:

ISTRAC ground station

• ISTRAC (Indian Space Research Organisation Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network) is a key facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that plays an important role in supporting space missions.
• Located in Bengaluru, India, ISTRAC helps in tracking, controlling, and managing the communication with various spacecraft launched by ISRO.
• In short, ISTRAC is a vital part of ISRO’s infrastructure, ensuring effective communication and control for all space missions launched by India.

​North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC)

• The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) is a space research center located in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India.
• It was established to focus on the use of space technology for the development and well-being of the northeastern states of India.

Barren Island

• Barren Island is an uninhabited island located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are part of India. It is notable for being the only active volcano in India.
• Barren Island is an important site for geological studies and attracts interest from scientists and nature enthusiasts.