Operation Aqueduct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aqueduct |
|
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Country | United States |
| Period | 1989–1990 |
| Number of tests | 10 |
| Max. yield | 150 kilotonnes of TNT (630 TJ) |
The Aqueduct nuclear test series was a set of 10 underground nuclear tests. These tests were carried out by the United States between 1989 and 1990. They were part of the country's efforts to develop and improve nuclear weapons. Some tests also focused on safety experiments. This series followed the Operation Cornerstone tests. It happened before the Operation Sculpin series. The most powerful test in this series had a yield of 150 kilotons.
Contents
What Were the Aqueduct Tests?
The Aqueduct series included 10 nuclear tests. All of them were conducted deep underground. These tests happened at the Nevada Test Site, a special area in the desert. Scientists and engineers used these tests for two main reasons. Some were for weapons development. This meant they were trying to make nuclear weapons better or to understand them more. Other tests were safety experiments. These helped them learn how to make sure nuclear weapons were safe.
Where Did These Tests Happen?
All the Aqueduct tests took place at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). This site is in Nevada, a state in the western United States. The tests were done in different parts of the NTS. Each test had a specific location underground.
When Did the Tests Take Place?
The Aqueduct series began in October 1989. It continued through 1990. The last test in this series happened in September 1990. Tests were spread out over these two years.
How Powerful Were the Tests?
The power of these nuclear tests varied a lot. Some tests were quite small. Their power was less than 20 kilotons. A kiloton is a measure of explosive power. It is equal to 1,000 tons of TNT. The largest test in the series was called Hornitos. It had a yield of 150 kilotons. Another large test was Bullion, also 150 kilotons.
Special Test Details
Some tests in the Aqueduct series were unique. For example, Whiteface - 1 and Whiteface - 2 happened at the same time. They were even in the same underground hole. The tests Mineral Quarry - 2 and Randsburg - 1 also happened together. They were in the same underground tunnels. One test, Metropolis, caused some venting. This means a small amount of radioactive material escaped. Another test, Ledoux, was an experiment. It tried to use a nuclear device to power a laser.
