Raduga (nuclear test)

The Raduga nuclear test series was a set of four underground nuclear explosions conducted by the Soviet Union at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) in Kazakhstan. These tests were carried out between 1984 and 1988 and were conducted for purposes related to fundamental research and the development of peaceful nuclear explosions (PNEs). PNEs were intended for use in large-scale civil engineering projects such as creating reservoirs, canals, and stimulating oil and gas production. The Raduga tests, however, primarily focused on studying the geophysical effects of underground nuclear explosions, including seismic wave propagation and the alteration of rock formations. Data collected from these tests were also used to improve the detection and verification capabilities for monitoring compliance with nuclear test ban treaties. The specific yields of the individual Raduga tests varied but generally remained below the 150 kiloton threshold established by the Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT). The tests were conducted in tunnels or boreholes to contain the radioactive fallout.