FOIA
SCIENCE AND WEAPONS DAILY REVIEW
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
0000832104
Release Decision:
RIPPUB
Original Classification:
U
Document Page Count:
4
Document Release Date:
April 18, 2008
Sequence Number:
Case Number:
F-2002-00074
Publication Date:
October 12, 1982
File:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 DOC_0000832104.pdf | 205.35 KB |
Body:
Directorate of Intelligence (b) (1) (b) (3) 'Top`s.- ret -1641m- Y-4.=YAfV APPROVED FOR RELEASE DATE: FEB 2008 CUNTENTS 12 OCTOBER 1982 Lack of space on Mururoa Atoll apparently is causing the French to reactivate Fangataufa Atoll as a test site, possibly for future tests of higher yield warheads., work F ngataufa is progressing slowly. 12 OCTOBER 1982 i SW SWDR 82-433J FRANCE: REACTIVATION OF NUCLEAR TEST SITE Last December, the French Pacific Experimentation Center at Tahiti announced plans to reactivate the nuclear test site at the Fangataufa Atoll in the South Pacific. Fangataufa was to be used for underground nuclear explosions more powerful than those detonated at nearby Mururoa. 12 OCTOBER 1982 SW SWDR 82-433J The French nuclear test program could be hampered by a lack of testing space unless Fangataufa or some oft ~er site becomes available in the next several'years. u Since Fangataufa is essentially unpopulated, its reactivation could accommodate some higher-yield tests, as well as provide extra room for more tests. Based on Although it is not clear how soon the Fangataufa Atoll will be ready, it appears the reactivation is going to be a slow process. The project was officially announced last December, but road excavation did not begin until last month, and major dredging work will still be necessary to provide a shipping channel into the lagoon. 12 OCTOBER 1982 SW SWDR 02-433J
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