Historic Apsara reactor transformed into public museum: Unveiling India's nuclear odyssey

In an unprecedented endeavor that could set a global precedent, the Apsara reactor at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay is undergoing a transformation into a public museum. The reactor hailed for its groundbreaking significance, was inaugurated 67 years ago on August 4, 1956, by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Serving as a pivotal milestone not only for India but also for Asia, the Apsara reactor marked the genesis of the nuclear era in the region. After over six decades of scientific exploration, it was finally decommissioned, and a novel chapter is now being scripted as it evolves into a museum.

Rechristened as Apsara U, the one-megawatt reactor played a vital role in diverse scientific disciplines including nuclear physics, medical applications, material science, and radiation shielding. In 2009, it was temporarily halted for a comprehensive refurbishment, later resuming its activities on September 10, 2018. However, shortly after, the decision to transform this iconic reactor into an educational and historical artifact was taken.

A milestone in this evolution was unveiled on a recent occasion, where memoirs of former Indian nuclear chief R Chidambaram were introduced, aptly titled 'India Rising: Memoirs of a Scientist'. During this event, BARC's director and the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, A K Mohanty, revealed the project's exciting prospects. He confirmed the metamorphosis of Apsara into a museum that would unfold India's nuclear journey for the public.

This ambitious endeavor, which has the potential to be unmatched globally, is envisaged as an immersive experience. It's intended to offer visitors a glimpse into the history of India's nuclear advancements, including the chance to witness the place where the renowned scientist Homi Bhabha once worked within the reactor. To ensure its historical authenticity, BARC is even collaborating with the Nehru Science Centre for guidance.

The innovative challenge faced by this project is how to enable public access to the museum while maintaining the stringent security standards of the BARC complex, a crucial hub for India's nuclear program. The current concept envisions visitors entering through the south gate, near the refineries. Despite these complex logistics, the project is gradually taking shape, with Mohanty indicating an approximate timeline of around a year for its completion.

This transformation is not only a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts but also a promising prospect for education. Once the Apsara museum attains its "criticality," schoolchildren are slated to visit in batches, providing them with a firsthand encounter of the nation's nuclear journey.

The Apsara reactor's history has even found its way into popular culture, as it features in the TV series 'Rocket Boys,' albeit with a touch of cinematic embellishment. Its origin story, as recounted in M R Srinivasan's autobiography 'From Fission to Fusion,' reflects the determined spirit of India's scientific pioneers. This journey, marked by challenges and successes, is etched into the legacy of the Apsara reactor, which is now poised to inspire and educate generations to come.