U.S. Improves Ability to Detect Foreign Nuclear Explosions

On 18 October, a team led by National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) conducted a subsurface chemical explosion at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) to improve the United States’ ability to detect low-yield nuclear explosions around the world.

This experiment, which was conducted in the P tunnel in Area 12 of the NNSS, used chemical high-explosives and radiotracers.

The experiment will help validate new predictive explosion models and detection algorithms. Measurements were collected using accelerometers, seismometers, infrasound sensors, electromagnetic sensors, chemical and radiotracer samplers, and meteorological sensors.

“These experiments advance our efforts to develop new technology in support of U.S. nuclear nonproliferation goals and will help reduce global nuclear threats by improving the detection of underground nuclear explosive tests,” said Corey Hinderstein, NNSA’s Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation.

National Nuclear Security Administration