What you need to know about Pine Gap

Since it became operational in 1970, the stated purpose of the Pine Gap intelligence facility near Alice Springs has changed several times. Initially, the government said it was a space research facility. When its military use could no longer be hidden, the site was then said to be used for the verification of arms control treaties and to provide early warning of missile attacks. With every new revelation of the true nature of the facility, the Australian and US governments have changed their line as to precisely what Pine Gap’s purpose is.