ABSTRACT
Nuclear explosions produce a variety of effects, such as blast and several types of radiation, that can damage or destroy military systems. Nuclear explosions create a variety of potentially damaging effects, many of which are different from those produced by chemical explosions. Nuclear explosions in space and near the Earth's surface produce different effects and require different effects tests. Nuclear explosions near the Earth's surface or in the atmosphere are banned under the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty. Underground nuclear tests are used to develop data on the cratering and ground shock effects of surface, near surface, and shallow underground nuclear explosions. Satellites in low orbits, such as some reconnaissance satellites, are more vulnerable. They are closer to each other and to the earth, and thus can be more easily reached by anti-satellite weapons and are more likely to be damaged by nearby nuclear blasts.
