Project 58
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Nuclear test Project 58
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|---|---|
 Coulomb-C |
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| information | |
| nation |
 United States
|
| Test location | Nevada Test Site |
| Period | 1957-1958 |
| Number of tests | 4th |
| Max. Explosive force | 0.5 kT |
| navigation | |
| Previous test | Operation Plumbbob |
| Next test | Operation hardtack |
Project 58 was a series of American nuclear weapons tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site in December 1957 and March 1958 . A total of four nuclear weapons tests took place. The operation was divided into Project 58 ( Pascal-C, Coulomb-C ) and Project 58A ( Venus, Uranus ). The aim of the operation was to test the devices to be used in Operation Hardtack and to adapt them accordingly. The second test ( Coulomb-C ) resulted in an unexpected detonation , which resulted in radiation of around 500 mSv per hour. The atomic cloud reached Los Angeles after several hours , where very low readings caused brief public concern.
The individual tests of the Project 58 series
| Test name | Date / Time ( GMT / UTC + 0h ) | Proving Ground | Explosion height | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal-C | December 6, 1957 8:15 pm |
Area 3e | −76.2 meters −250 feet |
|
| Coulomb-C | December 9, 1957 8:00 p.m. |
Area 3i | Unexpected detonation caused uncontrolled release of ionizing radiation. |
|
| Venus | February 22, 1958 1:00 am |
Area 12 | −30.5 meters −100 feet |
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| Uranus | March 14, 1958 10:00 p.m. |
Area 12 | −35 meters −114 feet |
Individual evidence
- ^ Projects 57, 58 and 58A. The Nuclear Weapon Archive, September 20, 1997, accessed July 5, 2012 .
- ^ Robert A. Divine: Blowing on the Wind: The Nuclear Test Ban Debate, 1954-1960. Oxford University Press, New York 1978, ISBN 978-0195023909 , p. 96; 104-108.
- ^ Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Testing (DOE / MA-0003). (PDF, 14,190 KB) US Department of Energy, September 2006, p. 258 , accessed July 5, 2012 .