USA-266

USA-266, also known as GPS IIF-12, GPS SVN-70 and NAVSTAR 76, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the twelfth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.

Launch

Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-266 was launched at 13:38 UTC on 5 February 2016, atop an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle, vehicle number AV-057. The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and placed USA-266 directly into semi-synchronous orbit.

Orbit

As of March 2016, USA-266 was in an orbit with a perigee of, an apogee of, a period of 717.9 minutes, and 55.01° of inclination to the equator. It is used to broadcast the PRN 32 signal, and operates in slot 5 of plane F of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 12 years and a mass of. It is currently in service following commissioning on 9 March 2016.