Subsurface Imaging Technology Test Site
Overview
Located on the grounds of Colorado State University’s Christman Airfield in Fort Collins, the primary purpose of the CSU SITTS is to offer a controlled, scientifically rigorous environment for testing and validating geophysical and remote sensing technologies. The site offers a testing environment with a variety of industry-standard objects that simulate real-world scenarios, as well as actual inert munitions installed as part of a Phase Two expansion. The current site supports surrogate and inert unexploded ordnance (UXO) testing, with planning for future environments for metallic and non-metallic pipes, anthropologic, and geologic features.
SITTS UXO Phase One
The first phase of CSU SITTS focuses on the munitions response field of geophysical detection, addressing a critical need in detecting and safely removing unexploded ordnance (UXO). The site employs simulated munitions for detection that are inert and completely safe. This design of the simulated munitions effectively mimics the geophysical signature of common munitions found around the world, allowing researchers and practitioners to test detection systems in a realistic yet entirely safe environment.
SITTS UXO Phase Two
The second phase of CSU SITTS builds directly on the foundational munitions response work established in Phase One by incorporating actual inert munitions into the test environment. These munitions contain no energetic materials and pose no explosive hazard, while more accurately representing real-world UXO targets from a geophysical sensing standpoint. The Phase Two installation is located in a dedicated field immediately north of the original Phase One site, preserving comparable soil conditions while enabling enhanced validation of detection systems against realistic inert ordnance configurations. This expansion further supports researchers and practitioners in evaluating sensor performance and operational methods in a controlled, scientifically rigorous setting.
Future Sites
Future development of the SITTS site will build on the Phase One and Phase Two UXO installations by expanding the range of buried targets, materials, and site layouts for testing. Planned next steps for SITTS include the installation of a dedicated strip of inert landmines within the year 2026, designed to support research and validation of detection technologies in a controlled, non-hazardous environment. All future installations will continue to be precisely documented and deployed in a phased manner to ensure repeatability, safety, alignment with research, government, and industry partner needs supported by the CSU Drone Center.
