Are Los Alamos still operating?
Yes, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is very much active and remains a crucial, large-scale U.S. research facility, focusing primarily on national security, nuclear stockpile stewardship (maintaining safety, security, and reliability of nuclear weapons), and advancing science, technology, energy, and environmental research, even though its historic Manhattan Project origins are famous. The lab is bustling with around 18,000 people working on complex missions, including developing next-gen nuclear components, addressing nuclear threats, and supporting homeland security.
Key Aspects of its Activity:
Nuclear Security: Its core mission involves maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent through design, simulation, and production support (like plutonium pit manufacturing).
Broad Scientific Research: LANL conducts fundamental science and technology research in areas like materials science, nuclear futures, energy security, and cybersecurity.
Major Infrastructure: It houses powerful supercomputers and advanced facilities for research and development.
Economic & Community Hub: The lab is the primary economic driver for the Los Alamos area, supporting a thriving community with schools, recreation, and history.
So, while its secret Manhattan Project days are long past, Los Alamos is a very busy, modern scientific powerhouse essential to U.S. national security and scientific advancement