Defence to use 'Optus-X' satellite launched earlier this week

Defence has confirmed that it will use the Optus-X satellite launched by SpaceX on Monday morning Australian time.

File photo.

There had been some mystery in internet forums and on space news outlets over the satellite since it was launched.

“The satellite is an important element of Defence’s assured access to space-enabled communications,” a Defence spokesperson said in a statement to iTnews.

“It will complement our future multi-orbit satellite capabilities to be delivered under project JP9102.”

An Optus spokesperson said it had "procured a spacecraft on behalf of another organisation."

"We respect the privacy of our customers and do not provide comment on these matters."

Defence has been using Optus satellite services since 2003 and elected back in 2022 to extend its arrangement with the telco through to 2034.

As iTnews reported at the time, the Optus satellite that Defence has been using - C1 - was set to reach its end-of-life in 2027.

It’s understood that the Optus-X satellite launch relates to the 2022 agreement and will enable services to continue through to 2034.

Defence’s reference to JP9102, meanwhile, is to a “sovereign-controlled satellite communications system” that was to be built by Lockheed Martin.

The government recently halted the procurement with Lockheed Martin, saying it wanted to change direction and buy a multi-orbit capability instead.

About $90 million was spent on the process before the change of direction.