Pine Gap

This secret facility in the middle of Australia consists of a large computer complex with nearly 1,000 employees. It attempts to locate radio signals in the world’s Eastern Hemisphere, via information fed into the U.S. drone program. The facility commenced operations in 1970 after 400 American families moved to Central Australia. By 1999, the place expanded from two antennas to eighteen. The facility is essentially a ground control station for satellites that ascertain signals intelligence data. On July 11th, 2013, Edward Snowden revealed information about Pine Gap’s surveillance practices. It is part of the PRISM surveillance program conducted by various United States intelligence agencies.