Operation Latchkey facts for kids

Operation Latchkey was a series of 38 nuclear tests carried out by the United States between 1966 and 1967. These tests happened deep underground at the Nevada Test Site. This operation came after another series called Operation Flintlock (nuclear test) and before the Operation Crosstie series.

What Was Operation Latchkey?

Operation Latchkey was a group of nuclear tests done by the United States. These tests took place during the Cold War, a time when countries like the U.S. and the Soviet Union were in a tense competition. The main goal of these tests was to improve nuclear weapons. Scientists also used them to study how these powerful explosions affected things underground. Some tests even explored peaceful uses for nuclear energy.

Where Did These Tests Happen?

Most of the tests in Operation Latchkey happened at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). This large area in Nevada was a key place for the U.S. to conduct nuclear experiments. One test, named Sterling, was different. It took place far away in Mississippi, at a place called the Salmon Site.

All the tests in Operation Latchkey were done underground. This means the nuclear devices were placed in deep holes, either in shafts (vertical tunnels) or horizontal tunnels. Exploding them underground helped to contain the radioactive material.

How Many Tests Were There?

There were 38 nuclear tests in total during Operation Latchkey. These tests varied greatly in their power. The strength of a nuclear explosion is called its "yield." It is measured in kilotons (kt) or megatons (Mt) of TNT. One kiloton is like exploding 1,000 tons of TNT.

The smallest tests in this series were "less than 20 kt," which is still very powerful. The largest test was named Greeley. It had a huge yield of 870 kilotons. This means it was as powerful as 870,000 tons of TNT exploding at once!

Why Did They Do These Tests?

The tests in Operation Latchkey had several different purposes:

• Weapons Development: Many tests aimed to make nuclear weapons stronger, smaller, or more reliable.
• Safety Experiments: Some tests checked the safety features of nuclear devices. This was to make sure they wouldn't accidentally explode.
• Weapon Effect Studies: These tests helped scientists understand how nuclear explosions affected different materials and structures.
• Peaceful Research: A few tests were part of Operation Plowshare. This project explored using nuclear explosions for things like digging canals or creating underground storage. For example, the Saxon and Simms tests were for this purpose.
• Joint Verification: The Sterling test in Mississippi was part of a project called Vela Uniform. This project aimed to improve ways to detect underground nuclear tests. This was important for international agreements.

During some of these underground tests, small amounts of radioactive material were detected escaping into the air. This is called "venting." Scientists carefully monitored these events.