Apsara – India’s First Atomic Reactor
India’s nuclear energy programmeme has come a long way since the first nuclear reactor, Apsara, went critical at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, on August 4, 1956. It was not only the first nuclear reactor in India, but it was also the first in Asia. The reactor marked the arrival of India’s nuclear energy programme and was a significant milestone in the country’s scientific and technological history.
Conceptualisation and Construction of Apsara
The design of the Apsara reactor was conceptualized by the founder of India’s nuclear programme, Dr. Homi Bhabha. He envisioned a swimming-pool-type reactor loaded with enriched uranium as fuel. The reactor’s fuel core was suspended from a movable trolley in a pool filled with water. The pool water served as a coolant, moderator, and reflector, besides providing shielding.
A team of Indian engineers built the reactor in just 15 months, and it was a remarkable achievement for the country. The reactor had a power output of 1 MW, making it a small reactor by today’s standards. However, at the time of its construction, it was a significant accomplishment, and it paved the way for the development of larger reactors in the future.
Significance of Apsara
The Apsara reactor’s significance lies in the fact that it was the first step towards India’s self-sufficiency in nuclear technology. It marked the beginning of India’s journey towards becoming a nuclear power. The country’s nuclear programme has since developed into one of the largest in the world, with several reactors in operation across the country.
The Apsara reactor was also significant in terms of the scientific advancements it brought about. It helped Indian scientists gain valuable experience in the field of nuclear science and technology. The research conducted using the reactor contributed significantly to the development of India’s nuclear energy programme and helped the country establish itself as a leading player in the field of nuclear science.
Legacy of Apsara
The Apsara reactor was decommissioned in 2009 after over five decades of service. However, its legacy lives on. The reactor’s contribution to India’s nuclear energy programme cannot be overstated, and it remains a symbol of the country’s scientific and technological achievements.
The decommissioned Apsara reactor now serves as a museum, showcasing India’s nuclear energy programme’s journey. The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the country’s nuclear energy programme’s history and the advancements it has made over the years.
