Protection and surveillance of nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union

Abstract

The International Security Program Initiative at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is dedicated to achieving a global nuclear security structure that reduces the danger of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. SNL is the principle Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory, jointly funded by the DOE and the Department of Defense (DoD), and is responsible for developing technology, concepts, and hardware to protect nuclear weapons and materials at facilities, and during transportation. SNL is working cooperatively with scientists and engineers in various institutes, laboratories, and other organizations within the countries of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation. One major step toward achieving worldwide protection and control of nuclear materials and weapons proliferation is being accomplished by the DOE National Laboratories on work with the FSU in the area of Material Protection, Control, and Accountability (MPC&A). This report focuses on the accomplishments and status of work under the MPC&A program at Sandia. In addition, brief summaries of other areas of FSU cooperation are included such as Industrial Partnering Program (IPP); Lab-to-Lab; Safe and Secure Dismantlement (SSD); Safety and Security Technology; and Energy and Environment.