Dr Abdul Kalam Island is Known For
Dr Abdul Kalam Island is known for being India's main missile testing facility. It plays a key role in India's defense and space research, especially for launching and testing ballistic missiles. The island was renamed in honor of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and a key scientist in India's missile development program. His contribution to India's missile and nuclear weapons programs earned him the nickname "Missile Man of India".
Abdul Kalam Island Old Name
Before being named after Dr Kalam, the island was known as Wheeler Island. The name "Wheeler" came from an English army officer, Lieutenant Wheeler, and it was commonly referred to by this name until 2015.
The Government of India officially renamed it to Dr Abdul Kalam Island to honor his legacy and contributions to the country.
Abdul Kalam Island Location
Abdul Kalam Island is located off the coast of the Indian state of Odisha. It lies in the Bay of Bengal and is part of the Bhadrak district. The island is a small landmass but plays a large role in India's defense programs due to its strategic location.
| Location Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Odisha |
| District | Bhadrak |
| Coordinates | 20.76°N, 87.02°E |
| Nearby City | Dhamra Port |
Abdul Kalam Island Distance
Abdul Kalam Island is approximately 10 kilometers off the Odisha coast. It is located about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. The island is not directly connected by roads or railways due to its remote sea location and is accessible only by boats or helicopters operated by the government and defense forces.
Abdul Kalam Island Missile Testing
The island is operated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is a major missile testing site in India. Missiles such as the Agni series, Prithvi, and Interceptor Missiles have been tested from here. It has advanced launch facilities, control centers, radar systems, and telemetry tracking systems.
| Missile Name | Type | Testing Status |
|---|---|---|
| Agni-V | Intercontinental Ballistic Missile | Tested Successfully |
| Agni-IV | Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile | Tested Multiple Times |
| Prithvi-II | Surface-to-Surface Missile | Routinely Tested |
| Interceptor Missile | Anti-Ballistic Missile | Under Testing |
Abdul Kalam Island Tour
Currently, Abdul Kalam Island is not open for public tours. As a high-security missile testing range managed by the DRDO, access is restricted to defense personnel and authorized scientists. However, students and researchers sometimes visit as part of government-approved educational tours. The general public is not allowed on the island for tourism.
Abdul Kalam Island Map
The island is located in the Bay of Bengal near Dhamra Port. It appears as a small strip of land on the map but is significant in strategic terms. You can view its approximate location on online maps like Google Maps by searching for "Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island".
How to find it: Search "APJ Abdul Kalam Island Odisha" on your preferred map app for a satellite view.
Abdul Kalam Island Wikipedia Summary
According to Abdul Kalam Island Wikipedia, the island is a missile testing facility in Odisha, India, formerly known as Wheeler Island. The Wikipedia page includes detailed information about the island's history, development by DRDO, various missile tests conducted there, and its renaming in 2015. It’s a useful source for detailed technical and historical data.
Conclusion
Abdul Kalam Island is a symbol of India’s self-reliance and strength in the field of defense technology. From its origins as Wheeler Island to becoming a high-tech missile test facility named after a great Indian scientist and President, the island holds an important place in India’s journey toward becoming a global power in defense and space.
While public access is restricted, its significance in securing the nation and developing indigenous defense systems cannot be overstated.
