The Russian nuclear-powered satellite, COSMOS 954, re-entered the earth's atmosphere early on January 24, 1978, watched first by the tracking instruments of NORAD and then by the startled eyes of a few residents of the NWT. Concern about radioactive debris, whose presence was quickly verified on the frozen surfaces of lakes and land, led to a massive airborne and ground search and recovery program that lasted from re-entry date to the middle of October 1978, interrupted only by the spring break-up period. The search area extended from Great Slave Lake north-eastward towards Baker Lake.

Only about 143 lbs of material were found, although it is probable that the satellite weighed several tons. All fragments but one - itself weighing over 40 lbs - were radioactive; many showed clear evidence of melting and explosion.