NationStates Jolt Archive

AP:

The Colony of Antarctic Gunsmiths has announced today that it will begin underground testing of its first nuclear weapons. The tests are scheduled to begin in one week, and a new nuclear device shall be tested in one month. The first nuclear device is estimated to have an explosive yield of 150 kilotons, while the second device is projected to have an explosive yield of 475 kilotons. Security around the testing facility is extremely tight, due to the dangerous nature of the testing, and residents are warned not to attempt to sneak into the facility.

Days later, preparations were almost complete for the nuclear test. The warhead was getting its final checks, the test area was being swept for potential hazards, and the security forces were patrolling the perimeter. The actual test facility, a 1.5 mile deep shaft was complete, and the dirt removed stood near the hole so the crater could be filled up after the test. It was 36 hours until the test would commence, and the tension in the air was palpable.

As the clock ticked closer to 0 on the test day, scientists and military brass were watching the readouts from the various instruments. Their observation outpost was dozens of miles away from the test site, but they were getting good signals from the wireless sensors. The preparations had been completed hours ago, and the test area was evacuated. As the clock hit 0, a large tremor shook the test area, and the various sensors in the test area started recording data. The scientists were pleased with the test, although the bomb was about 8 kilotons less powerful than they were expecting. They would take time to analyze the data more closely, then prepare another test site for the second, more powerful test.