Indian's first atomic reactor?
VerifiedExplanation:
Apsara was India's first nuclear reactor, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey toward nuclear technology and scientific advancement. This swimming pool-type research reactor was commissioned on August 4, 1956, at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay, Mumbai, under the guidance of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who is often called the father of India's nuclear program.
The reactor was named "Apsara" after the celestial dancers in Hindu mythology, symbolizing grace and beauty. This naming reflected the elegance of scientific achievement and India's cultural heritage. The reactor was designed with British assistance and used enriched uranium as fuel, with ordinary water serving both as a moderator and coolant.
Apsara was primarily built for research and training purposes rather than power generation. It had a thermal power capacity of 1 MW (megawatt) and was used extensively for neutron activation analysis, production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications, and training nuclear scientists and engineers. The reactor played a crucial role in developing India's nuclear expertise and served as a stepping stone for future nuclear projects.
The construction of Apsara demonstrated India's commitment to peaceful uses of atomic energy and helped establish the country as a member of the global nuclear community. It operated successfully for several decades, contributing significantly to India's nuclear research program. The reactor was eventually shut down in 2009 after more than five decades of service, having fulfilled its mission of building nuclear capabilities and training generations of nuclear scientists.
Today, Apsara stands as a symbol of India's nuclear journey and scientific progress. Its legacy continues through advanced research reactors and India's growing nuclear power program. The success of Apsara paved the way for subsequent nuclear developments, including the construction of larger research reactors and commercial nuclear power plants across the country.
