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U.S., U.K. Conduct Nuclear Test
The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration said that scientists from the United States and United Kingdom conducted a subcritical nuclear test this week at the Nevada Test Site, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, June 3, 2004). The subcritical test, in which high explosives were detonated around nuclear material 1,000 feet below the surface, fell short of a nuclear explosion, according to the agency. No radiation was released, said Nancy Tufano, spokeswoman for contractor Bechtel Nevada. Tufano said the test involved nuclear plutonium but because of security concerns would not reveal the isotope. The experiment was meant to determine the effects of an explosion on the plutonium. Subcritical nuclear tests are used to help ensure the safety and functionality of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The test was the 22nd subcritical explosion at the Nevada site since 1997, according to AP (Associated Press/KRNV, Feb. 24).
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