India's First Nuclear Reactor: Apsara
India's journey in the field of nuclear power began in the early 1940s, when Homi Bhabha, the father of the Indian nuclear program, founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai. The institute was established to conduct research in various fields of science, including nuclear physics. One of the first projects undertaken by TIFR was the design and construction of India's first nuclear reactor, Apsara.
Apsara was a research reactor that used enriched uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator. The reactor was designed by a team of scientists led by Homi Bhabha, and it was built by the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) in Hyderabad. The construction of Apsara began in 1955, and it was commissioned in 1956, making India the first country in Asia to have a nuclear reactor.
The primary purpose of Apsara was to provide a source of neutrons for various experiments in nuclear physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. The reactor had a thermal power of 1 MW and was capable of producing a neutron flux of 5 x 10^12 neutrons/cm^2/sec. Apsara was also used to produce radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications.
Over the years, Apsara underwent several upgrades and modifications to increase its efficiency and safety. In 2009, the reactor was shut down permanently and replaced by a newer and more advanced research reactor, Apsara-U.
Today, Apsara is a historical landmark in India's nuclear program and serves as a testament to the pioneering efforts of Homi Bhabha and his team of scientists. The reactor played a crucial role in the development of India's nuclear capabilities and laid the foundation for the country's ambitious nuclear energy program.
India's nuclear program has come a long way since the construction of Apsara. Today, India has a diverse portfolio of nuclear reactors, including pressurized heavy water reactors, fast breeder reactors, and nuclear power plants. India is also one of the few countries in the world to have developed nuclear submarines and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
In conclusion, Apsara was a pioneering achievement in India's nuclear program. The reactor paved the way for India's nuclear energy program and played a crucial role in the development of the country's nuclear capabilities. Apsara will always be remembered as a historic landmark in India's scientific and technological progress.
Trivia: India's and Asia's first nuclear reactor, Apsara reached criticality at 3:45 p.m on 4 August 1956 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Nehru on 20 January 1957.