Nuclear Material Container

A one-quarter-scale model of a package to carry 8 kilograms of plutonium is shown here in preparation for a 288-mph side-on reverse ballistic test at the 10,000-foot rocket sled track at Sandia. The second photo shows the package after being cut apart for inspection. Note that the containment vessel which would contain the nuclear material is undamaged and still leak tight following the test. The artist's conception of the container shows the size of the protective package in relation to the stainless steel can which would hold the nuclear material contents.