Nuclear Security

About the Nuclear Security Enterprise

The strategic environment has changed with the expanding capability of world actors. The future environment demands a national deterrence strategy that takes this uncertainty into account.

NNSA's core missions include maintaining the nuclear stockpile, monitoring and promoting nonproliferation, powering the nuclear Navy, and responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies.

NNSA is responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science.

NNSA

NPR

The Nuclear Posture Review is part of the overall National Defense Strategy. That strategy identifies the defense priorities that the nation must pursue to strengthen deterrence.

SSMP

NNSA's plans to ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.

NPCR

NNSA's plans and programs to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, counter the threat of nuclear terrorism, and respond to nuclear and radiological incidents around the world.

Faces of the Nuclear Security Enterprise

1/5 3D-printing foam

NNSA's National Labs lead the world in innovation in national security applications. Eric Duoss, left, and Tom Wilson, engineers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, use an additive manufacturing process called direct ink writing to develop an engineered “foam” cushion.

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2/5 HEAF Spherical Chamber

NNSA scientists and engineers are always testing, always experimenting to improve the materials and methods used in national security work. Here, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researcher Kevin Vandersall sets up an experiment in the 10-kilogram spherical firing chamber in the High Explosives Applications Facility.

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3/5 Opacity Targets

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Sean Brum installs one of the first opacity targets in the National Ignition Facility target chamber. Such experiments help scientists ensure the nation's nuclear stockpile is safe, secure, and effective.

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4/5 Leak Test Machine

Today’s workforce demands old-fashioned dedication, but with advanced technological, scientific and engineering experience and capabilities. Much of these are dependent upon young scientists and engineers who are excited to work for NNSA. Here, Daniel Perlstein of the Nevada National Security Site works on a leak test machine as he trains to become a packaging engineer.

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5/5 Source Physics Experiments

The Source Physics Experiment series and NNSA’s ongoing research and development at our national laboratories are key to strengthening national security. These efforts advance technical solutions for treaty monitoring by the United States and its partner nations.

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