Nuclear Forensics Activities and Opportunities at the Nevada Test Site

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) was the location of over 900 tests that included nuclear weapons, nuclear devices for peaceful applications, and nuclear device safety. Of those tests, 100 of them were atmospheric and included both nuclear detonations and safety tests that effectively destroyed nuclear weapons dispersing most of the device material. The above ground detonation sites have the potential to be useful as post-detonation experimental testing and training sites and the latter as experimental testing and training for RDD. In either case seeding with short-lived isotopes can provide a more realistic environment for evaluation of novel methods and prototype instrumentation for debris field mapping or in situ characterization. Blind studies combined with NSTec’s calibration and instrument design capabilities can be used to independently evaluate new technologies, analyses, and protocols. Current nuclear experiments are conducted underground in facilities that could be used for pre-detonation forensics, and inspection exercises, and experimental systems tests. In addition, the NTS has facilities well suited to dynamic experiments to help validate dispersion models, particularly small-scale events in urban settings, which would be useful for proofing models guiding emergency response and field team site selection. Other facilities for the evaluation of concepts and prototypes for field screening of interdicted materials can be established by expanding current capabilities. At most of the described facilities, valuation of technical concepts and prototypes for collections (i.e. air, ground) using modern platforms and operational prototypes can be carried out. The site has other resources that make it an ideal location for a fast spectrum nuclear science partnership. With the formation of the new National Center for Nuclear Security at the NTS, synergy between national assets, national laboratories, universities, and industry is beginning and modernization of capabilities is currently underway.