U.S. Conducts Subcritical Nuclear Test

The Los Alamos National Laboratory on Aug. 30 conducted a subcritical nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site (see GSN, Feb. 24).

The experiment, “Unicorn,” was the 23rd subcritical test conducted to date by the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Subcritical experiments are used to collect information to help ensure the safety and functionality of the U.S. nuclear arsenal without conducting underground atomic detonations.  The tests do not create a critical mass, so there is no nuclear explosion, according to an NNSA press release (National Nuclear Security Administration release, Aug. 30).

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