In the context of space technology, what is "Bhuvan", recently in the news ?

The correct answer is A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India.

Key Points

• Bhuvan:
  • BHUVAN, also called the Indian version of Google Maps, is a multi-purpose end-user satellite application platform.
  • It is powered by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
  • This software application allows the users to explore a 2D/3D representation of the surface of the Earth.
  • The browser is specifically tailored to view India, offering the highest resolution in the region.
  • It offers detailed imagery of Indian locations compared to other Virtual Globe Software, with spatial resolutions ranging up to 1 metre.
  • Due to security concerns, the images available do not include any military installations in India.
  • The content is provided in four local languages.

Additional Information

• A mini satellite, launched by ISRO for promoting the distance educa­tion in India - GSAT-3, also known as EDUSAT.
  • EDUSAT was a communications satellite that was launched on 20 September 2004 by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
  • EDUSAT is the first Indian satellite built exclusively to serve the educational sector.
  • EDUSAT was successfully launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on the first operational launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, which flew from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• The name was given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II - Vikram.
  • Chandrayaan-2 is the second lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), after Chandrayaan-1.
  • It consists of a lunar orbiter, and also included the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover, all of which were developed in India.
  • The main scientific objective is to map and study the variations in lunar surface composition, as well as the location and abundance of lunar water.
• A space telescope developed by India - Astrosat
  • Astrosat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space telescope.
  • It was launched on a PSLV-XL on 28 September 2015.
  • With the success of this satellite, ISRO has proposed launching AstroSat-2 as a successor for Astrosat.
  • A number of astronomy research institutions in India, and abroad have jointly built instruments for the satellite.
  • Important areas requiring coverage include studies of astrophysical objects ranging from nearby solar system objects to distant stars and objects at cosmological distances