North American Aerospace Defense Command, Military command center in Colorado Springs, United States
The North American Aerospace Defense Command works from a multilevel complex inside Cheyenne Mountain and watches for aerospace threats over the continent using modern radar systems. The interior consists of several underground buildings connected by long corridors.
The command center began work on May 12, 1958 as a joint defense initiative between the United States and Canada during the Cold War period. The site was moved deep into the mountain to provide protection from possible attacks.
The site collaborates with a holiday tracking program each December, giving children the chance to follow Santa's journey across the continent. This service has become a widely recognized seasonal tradition for families on both sides of the border.
The headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base coordinates with several radar stations across Alaska, Greenland, and Scotland to detect objects as small as 10 centimeters (4 inches). The complex itself is not open for public visits, but the visitor center at the nearby base offers exhibits on military operations.
The complex sits deep inside the mountain and was designed to withstand nuclear attacks through reinforced tunnels and protective doors. The facility operates around the clock and maintains constant vigilance over the entire continental airspace.
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