CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center carrying a mysterious payload named ‘Optus-X.’ The mission, known as ‘TD7’ by SpaceX, took place at sunset on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5:28 p.m. EST. The payload’s details were kept under wraps, with SpaceX only revealing that it was a communications satellite.

Unlike SpaceX’s classification of the mission as ‘TD7,’ regulatory filings from government agencies like the U.S. Space Force and the Federal Aviation Administration referred to the payload as ‘Optus-X.’ SpaceX’s commentator mentioned it was a communications satellite during the livestream of the launch.

With this launch, SpaceX tied the record for the total number of Space Shuttle launches from Launch Complex 39A, reaching 82 launches each. Additionally, SpaceX is inching closer to surpassing NASA’s total number of launches from the same pad.

The first stage booster for this mission, known as B1077 in SpaceX’s fleet, made its 16th flight. After liftoff, the booster successfully touched down on the SpaceX droneship, marking the 85th booster landing on the platform and the 369th booster landing overall.

The payload’s destination was a geosynchronous transfer orbit, although the exact timing of deployment was not disclosed prior to launch. Speculations surrounding the Optus-X spacecraft suggest it might be linked to a contract between Northrop Grumman and SpaceLogistics for a Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft on behalf of Optus Networks Party Limited.

In FCC filings, Optus was revealed to be a subsidiary of Singtel Optus Pty. Ltd., a telecommunications company based in Australia. The Optus X satellite’s operation at the 87.75 degrees east longitude promotes public interest, according to Intelsat’s request for special temporary authority.

Despite the information disclosed, Optus has not provided additional details about the mission. Northrop Grumman’s role as the mission manager was confirmed by Intelsat, signaling a collaborative effort in the successful deployment of the Optus X satellite.