In April 2024, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory unintentionally uncovered a piece of Cold War history buried deep beneath Greenland’s ice. Using advanced radar technology, they rediscovered Camp Century, a U.S. military base constructed in 1959 as part of the top-secret Project Iceworm.

Although initially presented as a polar research facility, Camp Century’s true purpose was to house nuclear missiles capable of targeting the Soviet Union. The base included a network of tunnels and structures hidden under Greenland’s icy terrain. However, the unstable ice sheets led to the project’s abandonment in 1967.

NASA’s radar imagery provides an unprecedented look at the camp, now buried beneath 100 feet of ice. The discovery has renewed attention not only to the site’s secretive history but also to the environmental risks posed by waste left behind. This includes thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, wastewater, and radioactive materials, which could resurface due to climate change.

Scientists warn that melting ice may accelerate the release of these hazardous substances, posing significant challenges for the region. While the waste was initially believed to be permanently entombed, the impact of global warming has raised concerns about its potential to harm ecosystems and human populations.

NASA’s rediscovery sheds light on a forgotten chapter of Cold War history and highlights the intersection of geopolitics and environmental issues. As Greenland’s ice continues to melt, Camp Century serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of humanity’s actions.