U.S., Britain Conduct Joint Nuclear Test

[Guest guest]

<A HREF= " http:// " >

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A13381-2002Feb15?language=printer</A>

<A HREF= " http:// " > </A>

U.S., Britain Conduct Joint Nuclear Test

February 15, 2002

Reuters

The United States and Britain yesterday conducted their first joint nuclear

experiment allowed under the global Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, officials

said. The test was conducted deep underneath the Nevada desert.

Officials said the subcritical nuclear experiment was aimed at maintaining

the safety and reliability of both nations' atomic weapons without resorting

to underground nuclear blasts. In a subcritical test, there is no nuclear

explosion. Scientists can use the experiments to draw conclusions about

materials such as plutonium.

The National Nuclear Security Administration said the experiment took place

about 960 feet beneath the Earth's surface at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time

(4:30 p.m. EST) at the Nevada Test Site, 85 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Subcritical nuclear experiments are allowed under the treaty signed by 165

countries, including Britain and the United States.

The Bush administration has refused to forward the treaty to Congress for

ratification and did not attend a global conference in November 2001 on the

treaty's entry into force.

Some critics have argued subcritical tests could allow the United States to

develop new warhead designs.

(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed

without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the

included information for research and educational purposes.)