Discover Our Capabilities

Stockpile Science. A primary mission of the NNSS is to help ensure that the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile remains safe, reliable, and secure from our enemies. To accomplish this, Stockpile Stewardship deploys a wide range of science and technologies, focused on experiments in weapons science and the potential for weapons dismantlement.

High-Hazard Testing. The Big Explosive Experimental Facility (BEEF) is a high-explosive testing facility providing data to support the Stockpile Stewardship Program and other national security programs. It is just one of the several high-hazard facilities at the NNSS.

Threat Detection (CRNE). NNSS personnel are the Nation’s experts in detecting and locating “dirty bombs,” “loose nukes,” and radiological sources. They produce high-tech, specialized detection equipment in support of counterterrorism efforts.

Waste Disposal. The NNSS conducts permanent disposal of low-level and mixed low-level radioactive waste generated by environmental cleanup activities at the NNSS and other DOE and DoD sites historically involved with nuclear weapons research, development and testing.

Remote Sensing/Aerial Measurement. The Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL) creates advanced technologies for emergency response operations, remote sensing, counterterrorism, and radiological incident response. They provide aerial monitoring services to municipalities to prevent against terrorism.

First Responder Training. CTOS-Center for Radiological/Nuclear Training at the NNSS oversees and conducts training courses and exercises, providing local first responders with the tools they need to protect their communities. CTOS has trained more than 115,000 first responders since 1998.

Custom Fabrication. The A-1 Machine Shop provides precision machine fabrication, dimensional inspection, welding, assembly, and performance of acceptance testing for classified and unclassified components in support of the NNSS Nuclear Weapons Complex missions and customers.

Groundwater Characterization. Environmental Management monitors groundwater contamination at the NNSS, identifying contaminant boundaries and implementing an effective, long-term monitoring system.

Research and Development. The Research and Development (R&D) program is the NNSS’s premier science and technology venue and primary source for discovery and innovation for the Site’s national security missions. The program helps develop technologies to advance new solutions to national and global security needs.