Department of Energy FY 2012 Congressional ... - The FIRE Place

The Nuclear Detonation Detection (NDD) subprogram designs, builds, and supports the satellite sensors
that the Department of Defense deploys and operates as part of the nation’s nuclear test treaty
monitoring system. The NDD subprogram also provides technical expertise and leadership for
development of next-generation seismic and radionuclide nuclear explosion monitoring technologies.
Additionally, the NDD subprogram conducts advanced nuclear forensics research to improve the speed,
accuracy, reliability, confidence, and specificity of nuclear forensics analysis.
Together the PD and NDD subprograms support the U.S. commitments to international treaties such as
the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), New Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty (START), a potential Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT), and also supports the
Nuclear Posture Review.
Annual Performance Results and Targets
The Department is in the process of updating its strategic plan, and has been actively engaging
stakeholders including Congress. The draft strategic plan is being released for public comment
concurrent with this budget submission, with the expectation of official publication this spring. The
draft plan and FY 2012 budget are consistent and aligned. Updated measures will be released at a later
date and available at the following link http://www.mbe.doe.gov/budget/12budget/index.htm.
FY 2010 Accomplishments
• Demonstrated neutron imaging of multiple sources under realistic distances – a first step towards
application in a warhead counting exercise.
• Conducted field tests at NNSS which demonstrated for the first time the ability of remote sensing
systems (hyperspectral), originally designed for gaseous emissions, to detect solid effluents at nuclear
fuel cycle sites – these signatures persist even when facilities are not operating.
• Improved fundamental material properties of plastic-based radiation detectors – this may allow
production of cheap, large-scale plastic portal monitors able to do isotope identification.
• Transitioned single-photon night camera (NCAM) and mini-SAR (synthetic aperture radar)
technology to Stakeholders for national security missions – provides new airborne, remote
surveillance capabilities.
• Achieved roadmap benchmarks in U-235 and Pu Production Detection.
• Conducted early on-orbit testing of newly fielded NUDET detection payload (GPS-IIF block) –
provides more sensitive & better geolocation capabilities.
• Delivered first of next-generation high altitude NUDET detection payloads – a dramatic increase in
sensitivity.
• Completed final design of NUDET detection payload planned for GPS-III – maintains capability of
constellation.
• Proved 3-D model of seismic event propagation – increases accuracy of underground detonation
detection.
• Completed radioactive decay measurements for operational post-detonation forensics – critical to
weapon attribution.
Major Outyear Priorities and Assumptions
The FY 2013 – FY 2016 out-year projections for the R&D program total $2,008,217,000 and support
R&D leading to detection systems for strengthening U.S. capabilities to respond to current and projected
threats to national security posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and diversion of special
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation/
Nonproliferation and Verification R&D Page 330
FY 2012 Congressional Budget