Nuclear Detonation Detection | National Nuclear Security Administration

Develop, Demonstrate, and Deliver Technologies to Detect, Locate, Identify, and Report Worldwide Nuclear Detonations

The Nuclear Detonation Detection (NDD) program builds the nation's operational sensors to monitor the entire planet from space to detect and report surface, atmospheric, or space nuclear detonations (NuDets).  The program also produces and delivers advanced technology, including regional geophysical datasets which enable operation of the Nation’s ground-based seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclide monitoring networks to detect underground, underwater, and low-level atmospheric nuclear detonations.  In addition, the program develops the tools, technologies, and related science aimed at collecting and analyzing forensic information related to nuclear detonations. These post-detonation activities are divided into three elements:

1. Space-based NuDet Detection 
2. Ground-based NuDet Detection
3. Weapon Detonation Forensics