In April 2024, a NASA scientific aircraft flying over the Greenland ice sheet uncovered the remnants of an abandoned American military base: Camp Century. This site, a network of tunnels within the ice, was once the stage of a bold secret project.
Aboard the Gulfstream III aircraft, scientists were mapping the depth of the ice using radar instruments. Unexpectedly, the images revealed with unprecedented precision the structures of this "camp beneath the ice." According to NASA, these observations shed new light on an era when the Arctic was a major strategic focus.
Built in 1959, Camp Century was part of Project Iceworm, an ambitious initiative aiming to dig thousands of kilometers of tunnels to house intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Located in northern Greenland, the base benefited from its proximity to the Soviet Union and the isolation of the region.
These tunnels, located 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) beneath the ice, were designed for a specific missile, the "Iceman," engineered to withstand extreme conditions. However, the project was quickly abandoned due to exorbitant costs and the difficulty of stabilizing the constantly shifting ice.
Radar image of Camp Century taken in April 2024.
Credit: NASA
When abandoned in 1967, Camp Century left behind equipment, waste, and buried toxic materials. Today, climate change threatens to release these hazardous relics. American and Danish authorities have begun discussions to manage these environmental risks.
Meanwhile, scientists are using the collected data to better understand the evolution of ice sheets. This information is crucial to predicting sea-level rise, influenced by the rapid melting of ice due to global warming.
Construction of Camp Century in 1959.
Credit: US Army/Getty Images
Camp Century remains a symbol of technological ambition and Cold War geopolitical tensions. Now, it provides researchers with a benchmark to study the transformations of the Arctic environment. Measurement campaigns like this one by NASA are becoming essential to anticipate the effects of climate disruption on these key regions of the planet.
What is a nuclear missile base?
A nuclear missile base is a military facility designed for the storage, maintenance, and launch of missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. These bases are strategically located to maximize their range and effectiveness in the event of conflict.
Bases can be underground, to withstand attacks, or above ground, often protected by advanced defense systems. Some are also mobile, installed on submarines or vehicles.
They play a key role in nuclear deterrence strategy, ensuring the capability to retaliate even after an initial attack. These installations are often kept under strict secrecy for national security reasons.