UPSC Prelims 2010 Q110: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?
- (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
- (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan - II
- (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3 - D imaging capabilities of India
- (d) A space telescope developed by India
Answer: (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3 - D imaging capabilities of India
Explanation
What "Bhuvan" is in space technology news
Bhuvan is one of ISRO's notable public-facing technology platforms.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) A mini satellite for distance education | Incorrect | This describes a different ISRO initiative (like EDUSAT), not Bhuvan |
| (b) The next Moon Impact Probe for Chandrayaan-II | Incorrect | This is unrelated to Bhuvan; it describes a lunar mission component |
| (c) A geoportal with 3-D imaging capabilities of India | Correct | Bhuvan is ISRO's web-based geoportal, offering satellite imagery and 3-D visualization of India's geography |
| (d) A space telescope developed by India | Incorrect | This describes a different kind of space instrument, not Bhuvan |
Bhuvan facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | ISRO |
| Nature | Web-based geoportal |
| Key feature | 3-D satellite imagery of India |
Answer: (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3-D imaging capabilities of India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. A distance-education mini satellite describes a different ISRO initiative, not Bhuvan.
- (b) Incorrect. A Moon Impact Probe for Chandrayaan-II is unrelated to Bhuvan.
- (c) CORRECT. Bhuvan is ISRO's web-based geoportal offering 3-D satellite imagery of India.
- (d) Incorrect. A space telescope is a different kind of instrument entirely, not Bhuvan.
Key point
'Bhuvan' is ISRO's web-based GEOPORTAL, offering 3-D satellite imagery and visualization of India — not a satellite, lunar probe, or telescope.
Remember
Bhuvan: ISRO's geoportal offering 3-D satellite imaging capabilities of India.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Bhuvan (a geoportal/web platform) with an actual satellite or space probe.
- Mixing up Bhuvan with unrelated ISRO initiatives like EDUSAT or Chandrayaan components.
- Not knowing Bhuvan's specific 3-D imaging/geoportal nature.
Exam tip
Bhuvan = ISRO's geoportal (website with 3-D satellite imagery), NOT a satellite, probe, or telescope.
Sources
- Indian Space Research Organisation — Bhuvan: ISRO's geoportal (launched August 2009)
- National Remote Sensing Centre — Bhuvan: Indian Geo-platform of ISRO (user documentation)