Nuclear fear prompts thousands flood to Alice Springs in the 1980s to try and close Pine Gap and reveal its secrets. Women especially don't want Australia involved in nuclear war and the protests get increasingly wild.

The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 change the world and cement Pine Gap's role in wars on the other side of the world; Alex Barwick explores what it means for Australia to have a spy base hidden in the heart of the country.

As the Cold War enters the '70s, it becomes clear that Pine Gap is really a spy base with eyes on the Soviets, and it's putting Alice Springs in the nuclear crosshairs.

In the grip of a crippling drought, Alice Springs sees an economic lifeline in the 1960s when America comes knocking promising to build a space base on the edge of the desert town.

The Cold War finally ends but Pine Gap, or `The Base' as it's become known, expands and gets involved in conflicts across the world. Alex Barwick finally speaks to someone who's been on the inside of Pine Gap.