Yucca was the code name of the first and unique high altitude test of a nuclear device ever carried by a stratospheric balloon.
The main goal of the US Department of Defense and Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory was to study the effects of the detonation of a "W-25" air defense warhead at high altitude as part of the developmental work of an Anti Ballistic Missile. This test, along with two other exoatmospherics detonations performed using rocket-borne warheads of megaton scale (code named "Teak" and "Orange") were included under Operation Newsreel, as part of Operation Hardtack I.
Balloon launched on: 4/28/1958 at 11:25 utc
Launch site: USS Boxer (LHD-4) anclado al norte del Atolón de Eniwetok, Islas Marshall
Balloon launched by: Air Force Cambridge Research Center (AFCRC)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Winzen - 128 ft - Natural shape tailored tapeless - 800.000 cuft
Flight identification number: G-77-S
Landing site: Nuclear device detonated 140 km ENE of Eniwetok Atoll, Pacific Ocean
Campaign: Operation HARDTACK 1
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