[2] USA-196 was launched at 12:23:00 UTC on 17 October 2007, atop a Delta II carrier rocket, flight number D328, flying in the 7925-9.5 configuration.

[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 17A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-196 into a transfer orbit.

The satellite raised itself into medium Earth orbit using a Star-37FM apogee motor.

[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 15 signal, and operates in slot 2 of plane F of the GPS constellation.

The satellite has a design life of 10 years and a mass of 2,032 kilograms (4,480 lb).