September 9, 2002

National Nuclear Security Administration's Test Readiness Program

Prior to 1992, the Department of Energy relied on underground testing at its Nevada Test Site to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the Nation's nuclear weapons. When the United States placed a moratorium on underground testing, the Department implemented a sciencebased Stockpile Stewardship Program, designed to certify that the weapons are safe and, if needed, will work as intended. This program is a key mission of the Department's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).