SL-1, Nuclear reactor at Idaho National Laboratory, United States
SL-1 was an experimental nuclear reactor with a thermal power rating of 3 megawatts fueled by highly enriched uranium for military research purposes. The facility operated as a testing ground for reactor technology at the Idaho National Laboratory.
On January 3, 1961, a critical accident occurred when a control rod was withdrawn, triggering an explosion that marked the first fatal atomic accident. The event became a turning point for safety standards throughout the nuclear industry.
The incident resulted in changes throughout the nuclear industry, establishing new safety protocols and operational procedures for reactor maintenance and control.
The site is located in a remote area of the laboratory complex and is not open to regular visitors today. Information about the location and its history is available through museum displays and facility archives.
During the accident, power output peaked at about 20,000 megawatts in just one one-hundredth of a second before system failure. This release was so rapid and intense that it overwhelmed the equipment completely.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
