When the U.S. Nuked Space: Operation Starfish Prime Explained

Discover the fascinating story of Operation Starfish Prime, a pivotal moment in nuclear experimentation during the Cold War. Explore the motivations behind this high-stakes operation, set on the remote Johnston Atoll, and witness the spectacular detonation that lit up the Pacific skies. We'll delve into the dramatic EMP effects that plunged Honolulu into darkness, and the broader implications on critical infrastructure and military strategies. Learn about the Van Allen radiation belts, the unexpected creation of an artificial radiation belt, and its dire consequences for satellites and astronauts. Finally, reflect on the global impact, including the Limited Test Ban Treaty and lessons that continue to shape space research and international cooperation.

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OUTLINE:

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:47 A Starfish is Born – Painting the Sky with Nuclear Fire
00:02:13 The EMP – An Invisible Hand Reaches Across the Pacific
00:03:33 The Van Allen Belts – Trapped in Earth’s Magnetic Embrace
00:04:51 The Unexpected Fallout - A Legacy of Invisible Danger
00:05:50 Why Did They Do It? – The Cold War Logic of Nuclear Brinkmanship
00:07:06 Lessons Learned and a Treaty Forged – Reining in the Nuclear Genie
00:08:21 A Cosmic Cautionary Tale – Starfish Prime’s Enduring Legacy
00:09:05 Outro