In a remarkable 2024 revelation, researchers have uncovered the remnants of a clandestine United States military installation concealed deep beneath Greenland’s vast ice sheets—a stark reminder of Cold War tensions and ambitious Arctic endeavors. This hidden base, known as Camp Century, not only represents a technological feat of its time but also exposes a legacy of environmental hazards that linger beneath the pristine surface of the Arctic.

The Hidden City Beneath the Ice

During an April 2024 aerial expedition over Greenland, NASA scientists, while employing advanced radar technology to study the island’s ice dynamics, stumbled upon the buried remains of Camp Century. Located roughly 100 feet below the ice, this sprawling underground complex initially baffled researchers until its true identity came to light.

Camp Century was established in 1959 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers amid the Cold War, designed to withstand Arctic extremes with temperatures dipping as low as -70°F and fierce winds surpassing 120 mph. Stretching across 9,800 feet with 21 interconnected tunnels, the base was more than a simple research station—it was the linchpin of Project Iceworm, a secret plot aimed at deploying nuclear missiles beneath the ice to target the Soviet Union.

Project Iceworm: Arctic Ambitions on Ice

The vision behind Project Iceworm was staggering in scale and ambition. A 1960 report titled Strategic Value of the Greenland Ice Cap detailed plans for an extensive missile network that could cover 52,000 square miles—roughly three times the size of Denmark. The design envisioned missile launch facilities buried 28 feet beneath the ice, interconnected by tunnels spaced miles apart, allowing for continual missile rotation and enhancing the unpredictability of potential strikes.

Despite its grand design, the project faced insurmountable challenges. The dynamic and unstable nature of the Greenland ice ultimately rendered the missile network impractical. By 1967, the base was decommissioned, but not before leaving behind nearly 47,000 gallons of radioactive waste—a troubling legacy that continues to pose environmental risks to this day.

Life and Challenges at Camp Century

Camp Century was a marvel of Arctic engineering and human ingenuity. Constructed using cut-and-cover trenching methods, it featured steel-arched tunnels extending over a thousand feet long and 26 feet wide. The base maintained modern amenities for its 200 soldiers, including dining halls, medical facilities, and prefabricated buildings protected within the trenches.

However, harsh conditions and the ever-pressing force of the shifting ice presented persistent hurdles. Frequent snow trimming was required to maintain structural integrity, and waste management became a significant issue. Liquid waste seeped into the surrounding ice, spreading odors and accelerating trench deformation, which compromised living conditions.

Nuclear Power in the Frozen North

One of Camp Century’s groundbreaking features was the PM-2A, a portable nuclear reactor. Built as an experiment in mobile nuclear power, this 330-ton reactor was transportable in segments by C-130 aircraft and assembled onsite. It operated for two years, supplying clean power and heat—but not without problems.

The PM-2A reactor leaked hazardous stray neutrons, causing contamination of its own structure and the nearby environment. Radioactive isotopes even infiltrated the snow around the site, raising long-term ecological concerns. Attempts to shield personnel with lead and ice-filled drums could not fully mitigate the dangers, highlighting the high cost of such nuclear experiments in fragile ecosystems.

The Legacy of Arctic Nuclear Endeavors

The saga of Camp Century is not isolated. It echoes other U.S. portable nuclear reactor projects, some marred by malfunctions and accidents, such as the infamous SL-1 reactor explosion in Idaho, which resulted in tragic fatalities.

Today, Camp Century’s buried infrastructure and radioactive remnants remain an environmental challenge. Its rediscovery by NASA reignites scrutiny over Cold War-era military activities and the unforeseen consequences they left behind in remote environments.

Conclusion

The unearthing of Camp Century deep beneath Greenland’s ice serves as an eerie reminder of a bygone era, where geopolitical rivalry extended into the Arctic’s frozen depths. While it showcases impressive human technological achievement in one of Earth’s most hostile environments, it also underscores the enduring risks of nuclear experimentation and environmental neglect.

As climate change accelerates ice melt around Greenland, the hidden legacy of Cold War ambitions may increasingly pose hazards not only locally but also globally, demanding careful monitoring and remediation efforts in the years to come. The story of Camp Century is a frozen chapter of history waiting to be fully understood—and responsibly addressed.