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About APSARA Nuclear Research Reactor: Details, Features, Significance, History
About APSARA Nuclear Research Reactor: Details, Features, Significance, History
Apsara was the first nuclear research reactor in Asia. It had become operational in BARC’s Trombay campus in August 1956. It was the first nuclear research reactor indigenously developed in India.
Apsara nuclear research reactor designed was conceptualised in 1955 by Dr. Homi Bhabha, the father of Indian Nuclear programme. Its name Apsara was coined by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Apsara nuclear research reactor was a light water moderated (swimming pool-type) reactor with a maximum power output of 1 megawatt thermal (MWt). It burned enriched uranium in form of aluminum alloyed curved plates.
Apsara nuclear research reactor was utilised for various experiments including neutron activation analysis, radiation damage studies, forensic research, neutron radiography, and shielding experiments.
Apsara nuclear research reactor was shut down in 2009, after more than five decades of service.
About Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is India’s premier nuclear research facility based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
BARC is a multi-disciplinary research center with extensive infrastructure for advanced research and development.
BARC R&D covers the entire spectrum of nuclear science, engineering, and related areas. BARC’s core mandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power generation.
