Obninsk is a city in the north of the Kaluga region, with a population of about 100 thousand people. The name of the city was given by the name of the nearest railway station Obninskoe. The history of its origin begins in 1946.
Nuclear power plant is the main attraction of the city
In a small village, by order of the leadership of the USSR, a secret facility was created where research in the field of nuclear physics was carried out. As a result of these works, the USSR created the world's first nuclear power plant, which was launched in 1954. And the expanded village two years later received the status of a city. This is how Obninsk appeared.
Many outstanding scientists, both from the USSR and from the zone of Germany occupied by Soviet troops, worked at the secret facility "Laboratory B". Subsequently, it was decided to build on the basis of this laboratory a nuclear power plant with one uranium-graphite reactor. The famous I. V. Kurchatov, and the chief designer was N. A. Dollezhal.
The Obninsk NPP capacity was 5 megawatts. Of course, in comparison with subsequent nuclear power plants, both Soviet and foreign, this capacity was very modest. But it was the first nuclear power plant in the world! She was an example of how gigantic nuclear energy can be used for peaceful purposes.
In addition, the Obninsk NPP, in addition to generating energy, was supposed to serve as a base for scientific research and for the production of various isotopes.
In 1960, Laboratory B received a new name: Institute of Physics and Power Engineering. Its specialists have developed a number of projects for nuclear reactors, both for stationary nuclear power plants and for submarines, as well as space nuclear power plants. In this work, they were assisted by the invaluable experimental experience gained during the operation of the Obninsk NPP.
In the spring of 2002, the reactor of the world's first nuclear power plant was shut down. Its further operation was recognized as inexpedient.
At present, a museum of nuclear energy is being created on the basis of this power plant.
Obninsk landmarks
A huge meteorological mast, whose height reaches 310 meters, will surely attract the attention of city guests. The Obninsk History Museum displays exhibits that tell about the life and life of the first employees of "Laboratory B". It also recreates the interior of a typical living room from the period of the 50s. On the northwestern outskirts of the city is the Belkino estate, built in the 18th century (more precisely, the surviving remains of this estate) with a restored park and ponds. And in the southeastern outskirts - the Bugry estate, which is a historical and architectural monument of the 19th century. The Institute of Medical Radiology is also located in Obninsk.
