Test on Nuclear Stockpile Draws Ire of Japanese
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MERCURY, Nev. — A fourth experiment to determine the reliability of the nation’s nuclear stockpile has been conducted at the Nevada Test Site, drawing criticism from Japanese leaders.
The experiment conducted Saturday in horizontal tunnels about 960 feet underground remained subcritical, meaning no self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction occurred, said Robin Staffin, deputy assistant Energy secretary for research and development.
Subcritical tests, in which plutonium is blasted with explosives too weak to set off an atomic explosion, have been conducted since a moratorium on nuclear testing went into effect in 1992.
The Energy Department contends the experiments are essential to maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapon stockpile in the absence of underground nuclear testing.
The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki condemned the test, saying it will impede disarmament.
Nagasaki Mayor Itcho Ito said the test “trampled on the request by Nagasaki citizens and the people of the world” not to carry it out.
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