National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) - Pantex Plant

Pantex has five primary operational missions:

1. Weapons Assembly: The Pantex Plant assembly mission, which has been scaled back in recent years, is accomplished with components furnished by DOE complex suppliers. In addition to initial production, weapons assembly activities include repairs, modifications, and updates to improve safety and reliability or to incorporate new technology. The nuclear physics packages for all weapons are assembled in assembly cells or assembly bays, depending on the type of explosive and safety requirements. The mechanical assembly for most warheads and center bomb assemblies is performed in assembly bays designed for maximum safety. Operations performed during this stage of assembly include insertion of the physics package, installation of electrical parts, paint touch-ups, X-rays, and technical tests. The weapons' final assembly and packaging includes tail assembly and the installation of the preflight assembly. Bombs are installed on a specially designed trailer, and warheads are placed in drumlike containers.

2. Weapons Disassembly: Most of the weapons sent to Pantex for disassembly were originally assembled at Pantex. The DOE has disassembled some 50,000 nuclear weapons over the years in a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sound manner. All weapons scheduled for dismantlement are subjected to a series of safeguard inspections within 72 hours of their arrival at Pantex. Only after the weapons pass these tests are they permitted to undergo the approved disassembly procedure. A variety of methods are used to disassemble the weapons and dispose of the resulting materials in a manner that will protect the health and safety of Pantex employees, the public and the environment.

3. Evaluation of Weapons: To maintain the reliability of the nation's weapons stockpile, weapons from all active systems are randomly selected and returned to Pantex each year for surveillance testing and evaluation. Certain components are removed from the weapon, assembled into test configurations, and subjected to electrical and/or explosives testing. Extreme care is taken during the evaluation process to maintain the assembled and received condition of the weapon and its components. Data gathered as a result of the testing are reported to the DOE's design agencies. Components not destroyed during the testing process are recycled for reacceptance and are available for use in future weapons system assemblies.

4. High Explosive Research and Development: Another mission at Pantex is to develop and research the high explosives that surround the nuclear components of weapons. The Applied Technology Division is responsible for all activities at Pantex that involve the chemical high explosive components for nuclear weapons. Safety is paramount in all operations of this division. The High Explosives Synthesis Facility is used to develop explosives and explosive processes and to produce small quantities of specialty high explosives not available from commercial sources. Applied Technology also provides chemical analysis to support plant environment, safety, and health programs.

5. Interim Plutonium Pit Storage: As a result of arms reduction initiatives and an increase in the volume of nuclear weapons dismantlements, Pantex Plant has been designated as an interim staging site for plutonium pits. A pit is a component made of plutonium metal and is the heart of a nuclear weapon.