Nuclear weapon

A nuclear weapon is an explosive device which employs either nuclear fission or nuclear fusion in order to create a destructive blast and/or emit high doses of lethal radiation.

Earth first developed nuclear weaponry in 1945, when it was used by the United States of America against Japan at the end of World War II.

A test detonation of a fission weapon in 1947 enabled Quark, Rom, Nog and Odo return from that period to the present day. 

The United States attempted to place a nuclear weapons platform into Earth orbit in 1968, but this plan was sabotaged by Gary Seven. 

Nuclear weapons were also extensively used during World War III.

Nuclear weaponry was also used during the Earth-Romulan War. Romulan vessels continued to carry such weapons into the 23rd century.