Andrey Sakharov, Nuclear Bomb Maker Turns as Human Rights Activist

After years of attempts at private persuasion, in 1961 Sakharov went on record against Soviet Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev’s plan for an atmospheric test of a 100-megaton thermonuclear bomb, fearing the hazards of widespread radioactive fallout. The bomb was tested at half yield (50 megatons) on October 30, 1961.

Through these efforts, Sakharov began to adopt strong moral positions about the social responsibilities of scientist.