Nevada at a glance

Mission
NNSS supports the stewardship of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, provides nuclear and radiological emergency response capabilities and training, and contributes to key nuclear nonproliferation and arms control initiatives.

Names
Established in 1950, the site has had several names: the Nevada Proving Grounds, the Nevada Test Site, the Nevada National Security Site, and the Nevada National Security Sites. (“Sites” is a nod to nine satellite locations, including one in Los Alamos.)

Location & size
Spanning approximately 1,360 square miles, NNSS is situated in southern Nevada, about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The remote, highly secure site conducts operations outdoors, indoors, in airspace, and underground.

Operation & oversight
NNSS is managed and operated by Mission Support and Test Services (MSTS) for the National Nuclear Security Administration, a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. Roger Rocha is the president of MSTS.

Historical significance
NNSS was the primary location for U.S. nuclear testing during the Cold War. A total of 100 atmospheric tests were conducted, beginning with “Able” on January 27, 1951. The 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty banned atmospheric testing, which gave way to underground testing. After 828 underground tests, full-scale nuclear testing came to an end in 1992 when the United States entered a testing moratorium that is still in place today.

Research & development
NNSS houses advanced facilities like the Principal Underground Laboratory for Subcritical Experimentation (PULSE) and the Big Explosives Experimental Facility (BEEF), supporting cutting-edge scientific research. Experiments at these and other facilities help ensure the safety and reliability of the nuclear stockpile without nuclear testing.

Emergency response
NNSS plays a pivotal role in national radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness, offering training and response capabilities.

Economic impact
The site contributes nearly $1 billion annually to Nevada’s economy and is one of the largest employers in southern Nevada.

Environmental stewardship
The site is actively involved in environmental management, including groundwater monitoring and remediation efforts to address legacy contamination.

Public engagement
NNSS offers reservation-only public tours, fostering transparency and education about its missions and history.

Collaborative efforts
NNSS collaborates with various national laboratories (including Los Alamos), federal agencies, and international partners to advance its security and scientific objectives. ★

In 2023, National Security Science released a three-part podcast series about past, present, and future work at the Nevada National Security Sites. Listen here: