Last Atmospheric Test at Nevada Site

July 17th, 1962

July 17th, 1962

Last Atmospheric Test at Nevada Site
How Long Ago?

62 years, 7 months, 26 days ago

Location

Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, USA

Category

Military & Warfare

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Last Atmospheric Test at Nevada Site

The 'Small Boy' test shot Little Feller I marked the final atmospheric nuclear test at the Nevada National Security Site. Conducted by the United States, this test demonstrated advancements in nuclear technology and testing methodologies. With Little Feller I, a relatively low-yield nuclear device was detonated, showcasing its capabilities in a military context. The detonation aimed to study the effects of nuclear explosions on terrain and materials, laying groundwork for future testing.

Little Feller I was a low-yield nuclear test.

It marked the end of atmospheric nuclear testing.

The test gathered data for military strategy.

Environmental concerns influenced future testing methods.

What Happened?

The 'Little Feller I' test was executed on July 17, 1962, at the Nevada National Security Site, which had been established as the primary testing ground for nuclear weapons in the United States. This particular test was noteworthy as it represented the culmination of atmospheric nuclear testing before the major shift toward underground testing. The 20 kiloton device was designed to be a low-yield detonation, which allowed researchers to gather valuable data on the effects and impacts of nuclear explosions in a controlled environment.

The device was dropped from a plane at an altitude designed to simulate deployment scenarios, providing insight into how nuclear weapons might perform in wartime. The tests conducted in the Nevada desert allowed military and civilian personnel to analyze the surrounding environment and the implications for nuclear strategy during the Cold War. The data gathered from Little Feller I contributed to military readiness and future nuclear policy decisions.

Prior to this test, numerous atmospheric detonations had taken place across various testing sites, marking a significant aspect of U.S. nuclear history. The decision to limit atmospheric testing reflected growing concerns about radioactive fallout and international public opinion regarding nuclear arms proliferation. 'Little Feller I' stood as a defining moment that transitioned nuclear experimentation away from open-air detonations to more controlled underground explorations, shaping future U.S. policies on nuclear weapons development and international treaties.

Why Does it Matter?

This event is significant as it symbolized the transition in nuclear weapons testing and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of such tests. The culmination of atmospheric testing marked a pivotal point in how nations approached nuclear deterrence during the Cold War and influenced global policy on nuclear non-proliferation, ultimately leading to treaties aiming to limit nuclear tests.

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