White Sands

White Sands uninhabited desert area, S central N.Mex. It is a center for U.S. military-weapons research and testing. On July 16, 1945, the first atomic bomb was exploded at Holloman Air Force Base (formerly Alamogordo Air Base). Each military branch maintains facilities at White Sands Missile Range, the busiest U.S. missile range. The area encloses White Sands National Monument, which preserves the huge gypsum dunes, as well as unique plant and animal life adapted to living there (see National Parks and Monuments , table), and San Andres National Wildlife Refuge.

White Sands Missile Range WSMR a testing ground for U.S. Army missiles and other weapons technology since its establishment as the White Sands Proving Ground in July 1945, during World War II. The White Sands Missile Range also includes Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was exploded on July 16, 1945. Because of the research and testing of rocket technology at White Sands Missile Range, it is known as the “Birthplace of the Race to Space.” It oversees projects such as the recent high-energy laser systems testing, and research at the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.