A secret Cold War military base, Camp Century, buried beneath Greenland’s ice, unveils its concealed purpose.
Story Highlights
- NASA discovered Camp Century, a Cold War U.S. military base, under Greenland’s ice.
- The base was intended to house nuclear missiles as part of Project Iceworm.
- Over 47,000 gallons of nuclear waste remain, posing environmental concerns.
- Climate change threatens to expose the waste by 2090.
Discovery of Camp Century
In April, NASA scientists scanning Greenland’s ice sheet unveiled Camp Century, a once-secret U.S. military base. This base, constructed between 1959 and 1960, was buried 100 feet deep.
The use of advanced radar technology allowed researchers to identify the base, which was composed of a network of 21 underground tunnels extending 9,800 feet.
NASA Found a Secret Military Base Buried 100 Feet Deep in Greenland’s Ice Shelf https://t.co/wqxG1KJxYa
— Popular Mechanics (@PopMech) October 14, 2025
Project Iceworm’s Ambitious Goals
Camp Century was more than just a research station; it was the cover for Project Iceworm, a clandestine plan to store ballistic missiles beneath the ice.
This project aimed to create 52,000 square miles of tunnels to accommodate 600 missiles, with living quarters for 11,000 soldiers. However, the plan faced numerous logistical challenges, leading to its abandonment by 1967.
The potential for nuclear weapons storage remained hidden until the Danish Institute of International Affairs disclosed the plan in 1997. The nuclear ambitions of Project Iceworm highlight the lengths to which Cold War powers went to maintain strategic advantages, often without the knowledge or consent of allied countries.
Environmental Concerns and Future Threats
Though Camp Century was decommissioned decades ago, the environmental legacy remains. Over 47,000 gallons of nuclear waste lie beneath the ice, a relic of the base’s nuclear reactor.
As global temperatures rise, the ice covering the waste is at risk of melting, potentially exposing the hazardous materials by 2090.
The threat of this exposure raises significant environmental and safety concerns. Experts warn that the waste could contaminate surrounding ecosystems should it thaw, highlighting the long-term impacts of Cold War-era military projects.
The discovery of Camp Century and its associated risks underscores the need for transparency and accountability in military endeavors.
The potential environmental fallout serves as a reminder of the unforeseen consequences of past military strategies, urging contemporary policymakers to consider long-term impacts on both national security and environmental health.
