Eight PGM-17 Thor missiles deployed by the U.S. Air Force ( USAF ) , were launched from Johnston Island in 1962 as part of " Operation Fishbowl " , a part of " Operation Dominic " nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific . The first launch in " Operation Fishbowl " was a successful research and development launch with no warhead . In the end , " Operation Fishbowl " produced four successful high-altitude detonations : " Starfish Prime " , " Checkmate " , " Bluegill Triple Prime " , and " Kingfish " . In addition , it produced one atmospheric nuclear explosion , " Tightrope . " One of these , " Starfish Prime " on July 9 , 1962 , had a 1.4-megaton explosion , using a W49 warhead at an altitude of about . It created a very brief fireball visible over a wide area , and also bright artificial auroras that were visible for several minutes in Hawaii . " Starfish Prime " also produced an electromagnetic pulse that disrupted some electric power and communication systems in Hawaii . It also pumped enough radiation into the Van Allen belts to destroy or damage seven satellites in orbit
Starfish Prime
Starfish Prime
Johnston Atoll