Abdul Kalam Island

Dr. Abdul Kalam Island
Dr. Abdul Kalam Island is located in Odisha
Dr. Abdul Kalam Island
Dr. Abdul Kalam Island
Location of Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, India
Geography
LocationBay of Bengal
Coordinates20°45′28″N 87°05′02″E / 20.75778°N 87.08389°E / 20.75778; 87.08389
Area390 acres (160 ha)
Length2 km (1.2 mi)
Administration
StateOdisha
DistrictBhadrak[1]

Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is an island off the coast of Odisha, India, approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) east of the state capital Bhubaneswar. The island was originally named after English commandant Lieutenant Hugh Wheeler. On 4 September 2015, the island was renamed to honour the late Indian president, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.[2][3][4] The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on the island, and serves as the test facility for most of India's missiles such as the Akash, Agni, Astra, BrahMos, Nirbhay, Prahaar, Prithvi, Shaurya Missile, Advanced Air Defence[broken anchor], Prithvi Air Defence[broken anchor], SMART missile and ASAT missiles.[5]

  1. ^ "Wheeler Island renamed APJ Abdul Kalam Island on former president's death anniversary". Firstpost. 28 July 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  2. ^ "In tribute to India's 'Missile Man' Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam, Wheeler Island named after him". Zee News. 4 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Dr. Kalam Island inspires youth in india. All India youth were proud to be a person lived in this generation for only india". TNP. Hyderabad, India. 5 September 2015.
  4. ^ "Wheeler Island renamed after Missile Man". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  5. ^ "India Fourth To Test ASAT, Pioneered By US, Soviet Union 60 Years Ago". NDTV India. Retrieved 27 March 2019.