1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$(2^9 \times 3^5) \times (2^4 \times 3)^2$$. 2. **Recall exponent rules:** - When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: $$a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$$. - When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents: $$(a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}$$. 3. **Simplify the second term:** $$(2^4 \times 3)^2 = (2^4)^2 \times 3^2 = 2^{4 \times 2} \times 3^2 = 2^8 \times 3^2$$. 4. **Rewrite the entire expression:** $$(2^9 \times 3^5) \times (2^8 \times 3^2)$$. 5. **Group like bases and add exponents:** $$2^{9+8} \times 3^{5+2} = 2^{17} \times 3^7$$. 6. **Final answer:** $$2^{17} \times 3^7$$ which corresponds to option D.