Frozen in Time - Unique views into the past

explore unique snap shots from across nuclear history

Step back into the dawn of the civil nuclear age through a stunning collection of rare and captivating photographs. This gallery brings to life the optimism and ambition of a time when nuclear technology promised to revolutionize energy and redefine progress. From pioneering reactors and innovative engineering marvels to the cultural and societal milestones that accompanied this new era, these photographs offer a unique window into history. Witness the breathtaking beauty and technological wonder that marked the early years of nuclear power, a period of bold dreams and transformative change. Explore these remarkable images and relive an extraordinary chapter of innovation. Things were moving fast, innovation was radical, and nuclear was on track to change the world.

Reactor Prototype

A 1/6th scale model of an experimental molten salt reactor is used to display the reactor internals.

Uranium Cubes

A number of uranium cubes produced during the Manhattan Project.

Reactor Pressure Vessel

A reactor pressure vessel for a pressurised water reactor is upended.

Fuel Storage

A worker stands above fuel elements stored underwater.

Reactor Fuel Unit

A depleted and highly irradiated fuel unit is inspected for irradiation damage.

Steam Generators

Steam generators are stored on their side prior to installation.

Remote Handling Experiment

Remotely operated claws are used during a decontamination experiment.

Containment Vessel Airlock

Workers are moving about the area just outside the containment vessel airlock (bottom right). The reactor control room is visible (top left). Three "Reactor On" signs are illuminated.

Process Line

Workers use mechanical actuators to manipulate radioactive materials inside a heavily shielded process line.

Access Port

Workers make the final preparations prior to the closing of the containment building access port.

Core Mock-up

A worker rotates a fuel bundle mock-up.

Access Door

A fully assembled containment building access gate is lifted towards its final position.

Reactor Loading

Plutonium fuel is loaded into a test reactor.

Boiling Water Reactor

The pressure vessel of a Boiling Water Reactor is under construction.

Fuel Compacts Fabrication

Uranium and Thorium Dicarbide are used to manufacture reactor fuel.

Metallurgy Hot Cell

A worker uses mechanical actuators to handle equipment inside a hot cell.

Pressure Vessel Transport

A reactor pressure vessel is transported in front of the New York skyline.

Reactor Loading

Workers load fuel into the reactor core.

Steam Generator Arrival

A steam generator is delivered to the construction site and enters the reactor containment building via an access gate.

Fuel Element Fabrication

Uranium Carbide is cast into fuel slugs prior to further machining.

Area above Reactor

Workers move about the area above the opened reactor pressure tank. Monitoring was performed and experimental equipment was often assembled in this area.

Steam Generator Transport

A gigantic steam generator is prepared for transport by rail.

Neutron Detector

A model of a highly sensitive neutron detector.

Reactor Pressure Vessel

A reactor pressure vessel is lowered into its final position.

Control Room

Workers observe instruments in the main control room.

Reactor Loading Face

A worker inspects the reactor loading face.

Movement of Experiment

A container holding experiments for irradiation is moved into the containment vessel.

Steam Generators & Reactor

Two steam generators tower over the reactor pressure vessel.

Plutonium Sample Testing

A plutonium sample is lowered into a cryogenic chamber for electrical transitivity testing.

Coolant Pipes

A worker stands amongst pipes carrying reactor coolant.

Images

All images – ENERGY.GOV – Public Domain

Explore Nuclear

Frozen in Time - Unique views into the past

explore unique snap shots from across nuclear history

explore nuclear

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