Kosmos 954 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched in 1977 as part of a program aimed at enhancing military surveillance capabilities. Equipped with a nuclear reactor, it was designed to provide power to the satellite for an extended mission life. However, the satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere unanticipatedly on January 24, 1978, resulting in its destruction and scattering debris over a large area in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The incident raised alarms as some of the debris was radioactive, prompting an immediate response from Canadian authorities and the military. Recovery operations were initiated to locate and collect the remnants of the satellite, which included radioactive materials that posed a potential risk to the environment and public health. Canada, alongside the United States, had to assess the implications of the incident on both national security and environmental safety. The cleanup and recovery process highlighted the challenges faced by countries regarding space debris and the risks associated with nuclear technology in outer space.

The Canadian government mobilized military and civilian resources to search the affected area, which spanned hundreds of kilometers. The search effort, however, faced significant difficulties due to the remote and harsh conditions of the Northwest Territories. It was estimated that only approximately 1% of Kosmos 954's debris was successfully recovered. The incident led to diplomatic discussions between Canada and the Soviet Union about the responsibilities of states concerning space operations and the potential hazards posed by falling satellite debris, especially those with nuclear capabilities. This prompted further scrutiny and regulations related to the safety of nuclear-powered satellites and their potential impacts on Earth.