Operation Argus was a series of three high-altitude nuclear tests
conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission in the South Atlantic
Ocean in August and September 1958. The results of Operation Argus
proved the validity of the Christofilos theory. This theory proposed
that a radiation belt is created in the upper regions of the Earth's
atmosphere by high-altitude detonations.
The radiation belt affects radio and radar transmissions, damages
or destroys the arming and fuzing mechanisms of Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile warheads, and endangers crews of orbiting space
vehicles that might enter the belt.
The tests, conducted in complete secrecy, were not announced until
the following year. Low-yield devices were carried to an altitude
of approximately 300 miles by rockets before being detonated. More
than 4,500 military personnel and civilian scientists participated
in the test operation.
The tests comprising 1958 Operation Argus were as follows:
ARGUS I, August 27, South 38.5 degrees, West 11.5 degrees, South
Atlantic, rocket, weapons effects, 1-2 kt
ARGUS II, August 30, South 49.5 degrees, West 8.2 degrees, South
Atlantic, rocket, weapons effects, 1-2 kt
ARGUS III, September 6, South 48.5 degrees, West 9.7 degrees, South
Atlantic, rocket, weapons effects, 1-2 kt
The total run time of this DVD is 46 minutes.
Here are some sample clips from the DVD
|