Ensuring survivability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent and space infrastructure
Will the nation’s space assets survive a nuclear detonation?
The growing nuclear threat from Russia, China, and North Korea has prompted a renewed U.S. nuclear modernization program that includes space systems and sensors.
Since the end of underground nuclear testing in 1992, the U.S. hasn’t had the capability to test the survivability of fully integrated space sensor or strategic systems against the x-rays generated by an adversarial nuclear detonation in space.
For the past 20 years, x-ray effects tests at the device or component level have been conducted with the nation’s largest x-ray simulators, Lawrence Livermore Labs (LLNL) NIF and the Sandia National Laboratory Z-machine. But, these simulators have insufficient energy to conduct full scale integrated system testing.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to perform x-ray testing of complete systems to ensure their survivability.
X-ray survivability testing of fully integrated systems from Xcimer Defense
Leveraging the world’s most powerful laser, the Xcimer 24 MJ laser is 12X more energetic than that operated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).
For the first time in history, we will exceed underground testing capability.
Applications include basic research in high-energy density physics and survivability of large area x-ray effects to ensure mission critical defense systems survive exo-atmospheric threats.
Deep expertise in high-energy x-ray effects testing
Our expert team of scientists and engineers have decades of experience in nuclear testing and hands-on experience gained while developing the capability at LLNL.
Robert Lundy
Managing Director
Robert has a long history in defense beginning as a U.S. Army Platoon leader and company commander in the U.S. and Korea. Demonstrated success as a large company general manager (IBM) and venture CEO (four in wireless and fiber optic communications, and one in the national security space).
• U.S. Military Academy, West Point (BS)
• U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
• Stanford University (MSEE, MBA)
Dr. John Davis
Chief Scientist
John is a world recognized expert in the field of nuclear weapons effects, laser x-ray sources, pulsed power, shock physics, high energy density physics, and nuclear fusion. He was instrumental in the development of all laser driven x-ray sources currently used for radiation effects testing. John is an expert in NWET, space security, and missile defense.
• University of Florida (PhD)
Victor Karpenko
Chief Engineer
For the Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Facility (NIF), Victor is credited with leading the development and design of the NIF target area. His work includes the Missile Defense Agency and nuclear weapons beginning with underground effects testing (UGT). Victor is an expert in NWET, space security, and missile defense.
• University of California, Berkeley
• San Jose State University (BSME)
Get in touch with us
303 Twin Dolphin Drive
Suite 600
Redwood City, CA 94065
Xcimer Defense is a division of
Xcimer Energy Corporation