Another nuclear-related test set for Nevada Test site

Tuesday, March 24, 1998 | 2:40 a.m.

The so-called subcritical experiment is designed to obtain physics information on plutonium samples of varying ages.

Chemical high explosives will be used to generate high pressures that are applied to weapon materials in an underground complex at the nuclear testing facility.

The Department of Energy conducted two similar tests last year, the first nuclear-related tests at the Nevada Test Site since a 1992 moratorium went into effect.

The DOE says the tests are essential to the nation's program to maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of underground nuclear testing.

Anti-nuclear activists, though claim the tests are part of a nuclear testing program and said they will be at the gates to the testing facility to protest the action.

"Instead of seizing this historic opportunity to advance the cause of nuclear disarmament, U.S. weaponeers are out at the Nevada Test Site advancing the frontiers of nuclear weapons science," said Bruce Hall, nuclear disarmament coordinator for Peace Action, an anti-nuclear group.

Both the shape and small amount of plutonium - about the size of a 50-cent piece - are designed to prevent a self-sustaining nuclear reaction and not violate the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Before the test moratorium, weapons would be taken out of the stockpile and tested underground or in the atmosphere to determine their reliability.