Training the next generation of nuclear analysts, one satellite image at a time
The world faces a troubling paradox: as nuclear risks grow in magnitude and complexity, the transparency needed to address them is simultaneously diminishing. Nearly every nuclear-armed state is increasingly shielding critical aspects of its nuclear program from scrutiny; nowhere is this trend more apparent than in some of the most historically transparent states.
As emerging open-source technologies continue to become cheaper, faster, and more accessible, it will be critical – if not necessary – for researchers, journalists, academics, activists, policy advocates, and government officials to arm themselves with the ability to use and accurately interpret these sources, in order to develop a shared understanding of the threat landscape and to avoid misinterpretation and misrepresentation.
However, there are few processes in place to enable the transfer of knowledge to the next generation of open-source nuclear weapons analysts, and the learning curve for new entrants to this field is high; it can take years for a new nuclear researcher to become a highly competent open-source analyst.
This is because nuclear-related open-source analysis is as much art as science: context, experience, and broad knowledge of nuclear policy, operations, and theory are all critical components for performing open-source research at a high level. One must be able to recognize specific types of vehicles from space, spot the differences between nuclear and non-nuclear storage sites, and critically evaluate their sources of information. Moreover, researchers have to understand ethical considerations – they must avoid the temptation to be first at the expense of being accurate, for example – and learn how to communicate their findings and analysis to relevant audiences.
To help address these challenges, the FAS Global Risk team’s Nuclear Information Project, with generous support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, hosted its inaugural Open Source Nuclear Analysis Bootcamp from 6-12 July 2025.
The bootcamp brought more than two dozen next-generation open-source practitioners from across the United States to Washington DC, where they participated in interactive modules, group discussions, and hands-on sleuthing.
On Day 1, FAS trainers introduced participants to the basic principles of open source analysis, nuclear transparency, primary source assessment and evaluation, and cognitive biases and distortions. In addition, our partners from the Stanley Center for Peace and Security introduced ethical frameworks for practitioners to apply to their investigations: a theme that continued throughout the week.
The bootcamp brought more than two dozen next-generation open-source practitioners from across the United States to Washington DC, where they participated in interactive modules, group discussions, and hands-on sleuthing.
On Day 1, FAS trainers introduced participants to the basic principles of open source analysis, nuclear transparency, primary source assessment and evaluation, and cognitive biases and distortions. In addition, our partners from the Stanley Center for Peace and Security introduced ethical frameworks for practitioners to apply to their investigations: a theme that continued throughout the week.
Throughout the bootcamp, participants were introduced to tools and techniques such as Google Earth Pro, QGIS, Blender, Google Dorking, Freedom of Information Act Requests, FlightRadar24, InVID-WeVerify plugins, and more.
At the end of the week, participants put their newfound knowledge to the test by working collaboratively to solve open-source challenge questions: spotting signatures at China’s nuclear test site; assessing the operational status of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant; assessing the performance of a North Korean missile test; modeling a North Korea solid motor test stand; and calculating the plutonium output from a nuclear reactor.
Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and trainers, the FAS Global Risk team is excited to begin preparing for the second iteration of our open-source bootcamp. Given the significant demand for continued opportunities to learn and collaborate on open-source nuclear analysis, FAS remains committed to fostering and developing an OSINT community of practice, and we look forward to welcoming future participants to our programming over the coming months and years.
The bootcamp brought more than two dozen next-generation open-source practitioners from across the United States to Washington DC, where they participated in interactive modules, group discussions, and hands-on sleuthing.
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