Spies in the Outback

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.