Sandia National Laboratories is one of three large U.S. research centers for the development of nuclear weapons systems. It also produces other technologies to improve national security. Sandia has major facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Livermore, California.
Sandia works closely with Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratories, which develop nuclear explosives. Sandia researches, engineers, and produces the nonexplosive parts of nuclear weapons systems. Its scientists and engineers design, create, and test devices that control a nuclear weapon’s operation. They also produce safety systems that prevent the accidental explosion or the unauthorized use of nuclear weapons. Sandia’s other research activities involve stopping the spread of dangerous weapons, aiding the U.S. military, guarding against terrorists, and protecting energy, water, and information resources.
Sandia was founded in 1945 as a branch of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. It became a separate laboratory in 1949. Today, Lockheed Martin Corporation operates Sandia for the United States Department of Energy.
