The Computer Designed To Die In Microseconds

Politely, this computer exists because the DoE performs stockpile stewardship. Less politely, it exists because of The Bombs. Everything else it will do is a hobby. It is specifically designed for whatever compute needs their classified program has. link link All of this capital is being spent because the test ban treaty prohibits the detonation of these weapons, but the US stockpile and its efficacy must be maintained and new weapons must be designed. So how do you know if an old weapon or a new design will work or not? Some part of the answer is real data + simulations. Lots and lots of simulations. It's why Frontier exists and why the DoE has pursued exascale compute for quite some time. (as for the real data part, it's why places like the National Ignition Factory exist, and why there's an active experimental program that exists to study dummy warheads in unexpected ways, this video )

> undue delay related to aging circuitry So instead of a dumb inert core you use a smart inert core that broadcasts precise measurements of the implosion using fiber optics and triboluminescent capsules that flash as they are crushed. this video But yes, I still share your overall concern even if we can push the question marks one step later in the delicate process.