Apsara – U Reactor Becomes Operational at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) , Trombay has recommissioned India՚s oldest nuclear research reactor named Apsara, which was shut down permanently in 2009 for repair. Refurbished version of this reactor is named as Apsara-upgraded (Apsara-U) & has double capacity compared to its earlier version.

Nuclear Reactors
  • It is located w⟋i India՚s nuclear weapons facility at BARC՚s Trombay campus (Maharashtra) .
Nuclear Weapons Facility at BARC՚s Trombay Campus (Maharashtra)

Apsara Nuclear Research Reactor

  • Apsara was 1st nuclear research reactor in Asia.
  • It had become operational in BARC՚s Trombay campus in August 1956.
  • It was 1st nuclear research reactor indigenously developed in India.
  • Design was conceptualized in 1955 by Dr Homi Bhabha, father of Indian Nuclear programme.
  • Its name Apsara was coined by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • Apsara was light water moderated (swimming pool-type) reactor w⟋max. power output of 1 megawatt thermal (MWt) .
  • It burned enriched uranium in form of aluminum alloyed curved plates.
  • It was utilised for various experiments including neutron activation analysis, radiation damage studies, forensic research, neutron radiography, & shielding experiments.
  • It was shut down in 2009, after more than 5 decades of service.

Apsara-Upgraded

  • Upgraded version is indigenously made like its ancestor.
  • It uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) .
  • It will help to increase indigenous production of radio-isotopes for medical application by about 50% mainly due to higher neutron flux.
  • It will be extensively used for research in nuclear physics, material science & radiation shielding.
  • Radioisotopes produced by it will be used in field food preservation, agriculture, & other industries apart from medicine for diagnosis & therapy.

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

  • Formed in - 1954
  • BARC is India՚s premier nuclear research facility based in Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • It is multi-disciplinary research center w⟋extensive infrastructure for advanced research & development.
  • Its R&D covers entire spectrum of nuclear science, engineering & related areas.
  • BARC՚s core mandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power generation.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021