Pituffik Space Base

Pituffik Space Base at a glance

Pituffik Space Base is the Department of Defense's northernmost installation, on Greenland's northwest coast. The 821st Space Base Group supplies the base support that enables space missions, Arctic research and allied activity. Public Space Force information identifies missile warning and satellite tracking among the missions associated with the installation.

The base's history includes a Danish-American radio and weather station established in 1946 and the construction undertaken after the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. Formerly called Thule Air Base, it received the Pituffik name in 2023 to reflect its space role and ties to Greenlandic culture. Its remote Arctic setting, airfield and seaport distinguish it from the mainland Space Force installations familiar to many visitors.

Also searched as: Thule Air Base, Thule, Pituffik.

Sources: 821st Space Base Group; Pituffik Space Base introduction

Mission and major activities

• Supports missile warning and satellite tracking missions.
• Enables Arctic scientific research and allied activities through integrated base support.

Sources: 821st Space Base Group; Pituffik Space Base introduction

History and identity

A Danish-American radio and weather station began in 1946, followed by major construction after the 1951 defense agreement. Thule Air Base became Pituffik Space Base in 2023.

Sources: Pituffik Space Base introduction

Location and community

Pituffik is on northwest Greenland, well north of the Arctic Circle.

Sources: 821st Space Base Group; Pituffik Space Base introduction

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. For an overseas assignment, ask your sponsor about family travel authorization, required documents, medical screening, pets and vehicle shipment before making reservations.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official overseas moving resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: 821st Space Base Group; Pituffik Space Base introduction

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Pituffik Space Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Pituffik Space Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. 821st Space Base GroupSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note
2. Pituffik Space Base introductionSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note, history

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.