Expanse ABC listen

In the grip of a crippling drought in the 1960s, Alice Springs sees an economic lifeline when America promises to build a 'space base' on the edge of town. But once Pine Gap’s bizarre, oversized golf ball-like structures are finally built, mysterious things start happening - the ‘space base’ isn’t quite what it seems.

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.  

When America promised to build a space base in outback Australia in the middle of the 1960s space race, few suspected it would put Australia in the nuclear cross-hairs in decades to come. 

That space base, just 18ks from Alice Springs, would come to be known as Pine Gap - possibly the most secretive place in Australia.

As 18-year-old Mick Doleman farewelled young love to set sail on the Blythe Star, he could never have seen what was coming.  Just 14 hours into their journey, Mick’s life – along with those of his rag tag crew of shipmates – would change forever as they scrambled to save themselves from a sinking ship. In this episode of From the Dead, host Piia Wirsu discovers the uneasy signs that all was not right when the Blythe Star set sail. 

When the Blythe Star fails to turn up at port as scheduled, the authorities are left scratching their heads. Meanwhile, the families of the crew reel at the news the ship is missing. In this episode, bungles, bickering and birthday cards create mayhem on land.

When the Blythe Star fails to turn up at port as scheduled, the authorities are left scratching their heads.

Meanwhile, the families of the crew reel at the news the ship is missing.

In this episode, bungles, bickering and birthday cards create mayhem on land.