Because of its proven reliability and accuracy , the Department of Defense decided to use the Redstone missile in tests to study the effects of nuclear detonations in the upper atmosphere , Operation Hardtack I . After being static-fired at the Interim Stand in January 1958 , two missiles were shipped to the Pacific Test Range . In July and August , the missiles became the first missiles ever to detonate atomic warheads
Operation Hardtack I
Operation Hardtack I
Redstone Test Stand