Pine Gap is a joint defense facility located near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Operated by the United States and Australia, it plays a crucial role in satellite surveillance and intelligence gathering. The facility is primarily used for monitoring military communications and tracking missile launches globally. Established in 1970, Pine Gap is part of the ECHELON network, which intercepts electronic signals. The site is surrounded by secrecy, leading to various speculations about its operations. Despite this, it is known to contribute significantly to national security and international intelligence efforts.