The gaseous diffusion plant is completed. Uranium is processed. The first batch is refined to roughly 90% U-235. The bomb is set on a small metal tower in Siberia. Shortly before detonation, 100 tons of TNT that has been spiked with nuclear isotopes is detonated as a test to see what it would be like.
Bets are placed on whether or not the device would ignite the atmosphere and end all life on the planet. Some bet that it will only destroy a small portion of Siberia.
Scientists, military officers, and political leaders all watch in pre-built bunkers seven miles from the site.
A special camera has been set up to capture a picture mere milliseconds after detonation.
The weapon is detonated with a blinding flash, and seconds later, a deafening roar.
The camera captures
this picture.A leading scientist gives this comment about the detonation.Several more devices have been ordered. A bomber built around the idea of deploying these weapons is developed.
Scientists have constructed a breeder reactor to generate a new, perhaps more powerful isotope for fuel, plutonium-239.
There are plans to construct a nuclear power station once the technology has advanced and become more well understood.
The Soviet Government announces its intentions to "shoot for the sky," rather than dwell purely on warfare. We deny England's requests for nuclear technology, commenting that they are "not competent enough to handle such power". We are reluctant to show them our submarines too.
A inventor theorizes an "aircraft carrier", a ship that would carry aircraft over seas and serve as a floating airbase. The idea is evaluated by the Navy.
Research is now being put into radio and radar.
Poll