Which nuclear tests did the Partial Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 prohibit?

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The Partial Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 prohibited the testing of nuclear weapons in the following environments:

  • Atmosphere12
  • Outer space12
  • Underwater12

By banning these forms of testing, the treaty effectively confined nuclear explosions to underground sites. It was motivated by widespread public concern regarding the dangers of radioactive fallout caused by aboveground testing. While the treaty was a significant step in arms control, it did not prohibit underground nuclear tests, nor did it reduce existing nuclear stockpiles or restrict the use of weapons during wartime.21