It was the twelfth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.

[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[4] and placed USA-266 directly into semi-synchronous orbit.

[5] As of March 2016, USA-266 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,181 km (12,540 mi), an apogee of 20,196 km (12,549 mi), a period of 717.9 minutes, and 55.01° of inclination to the equator.

[5] It is used to broadcast the PRN 32 signal, and operates in slot 5 of plane F of the GPS constellation.

[6] The satellite has a design life of 12 years and a mass of 1,630 kg (3,590 lb).