Byron Ristvet: Inside Nuclear Testing, History, Readiness, and Policy Implications

Описание: In this episode of NucleCast, Adam talks with Dr. Byron Ristvet to discuss the complexities of nuclear testing, its historical context, and the current state of nuclear readiness. They delve into the types of nuclear tests, the role of various laboratories, and the controversial history surrounding Rocky Flats. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding nuclear policy and the implications of testing in today's geopolitical landscape.

Currently, Dr, Ristvet is a consultant to Sandia National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for studies on nuclear test detection, and through Keystone International and MSTS, a consultant to LANL, DoE IN-1 and NNSA/NFO.  He is a Senior Mentor in Sandia’s Weapons Intern and Professional Development programs, and low yield nuclear monitoring research.  

Prior to his semi-retirement in February 2017, Dr. Ristvet was a senior subject matter expert (SME) to DTRA’s Research and Development Directorate in the areas of nuclear and conventional weapons effects and testing, hard and deeply-buried-target characterization and defeat, counter-terrorism, cooperative threat reduction, knowledge preservation, nuclear test readiness, and to the Defense Threat Reduction Information Analysis Center.  Prior to the underground nuclear testing (UGT) moratorium in 1992, he was the UGT containment scientist for the Defense Nuclear Agency.  Based on his experience, he is an advisor to the U.S. intelligence community on foreign nuclear programs. 

Dr. Ristvet had a key role in DoD’s Cooperative Threat Reduction efforts with the Russian Federation nuclear laboratories and the Kazakhstan National Nuclear Center. He is currently an Octant Associates consultant for DTRA nuclear proliferation prevention activities at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan.  

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Testing and Its Importance
01:20 Understanding Nuclear Testing: Types and History
05:38 Current State of Nuclear Testing and Readiness
09:05 The Role of Laboratories in Nuclear Weapons Development
13:34 Debunking Myths: The Rocky Flats Controversy
18:27 Types of Nuclear Testing Conducted
19:54 Key Takeaways and Future Considerations

Socials:
Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast
Follow on LinkedIn:   / nuclecastpodcast  
Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-po...
Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]