The 3.8-megaton detonation was planned to occur at an altitude of 76,000 m (250,000 ft) above a point approximately 9.7 km (6 mi) south of Johnston Island.

The Teak test was originally planned to be launched from Bikini Atoll, but Lewis Strauss, chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission opposed the test because of fears that the flash from the nighttime detonation might blind Islanders who were living on nearby atolls.

He finally agreed to approve the high-altitude test on the condition that the launch point be moved from Bikini Atoll to the more remote site at Johnston Island.

The thermal radiation output of the explosion was such that observers were forced to take cover in the "shade" for the first few moments, as can be seen in film footage of the test.

[7] According to the book Defense's Nuclear Agency 1947–1997, when the Teak detonation occurred:[8] According to page 269 of the Defense Nuclear Agency report on Operation Hardtack:[9] According to civilian observer reports contained in the official United States Defense Nuclear Agency report on Operation Hardtack I:[10] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government.