Dugway Proving Ground

Dugway Proving Ground is a military installation in Tooele County that occupies roughly 800 square miles of western Utah desert landscape. The facility includes testing ranges for weapons systems, chemical and biological defense research, and zones designed to evaluate military equipment under extreme conditions.

The facility was established in 1942 as a chemical weapons testing site during World War II and retained its role as a defense technology research base after the war ended. Over the decades, its focus expanded from chemical testing to a broader range of military evaluations.

Military personnel and civilian contractors work together at this installation, conducting research programs and maintaining national defense capabilities.

Access to the installation is strictly controlled and limited to authorized personnel and pre-approved visitors with appropriate security clearance. Housing on the base is available to military members and civilian employees who work on the research and testing programs.

In 2004, NASA chose this military site as the landing zone for the return of the Genesis spacecraft after the desert floor was deemed safe for spacecraft reentry. The decision was based on the flat topography and clear airspace over the testing grounds.