GPS Satellites Circle the Earth Twice a Day

The satellites behind every map app are much farther away than the space station. GPS.gov, the U.S. government’s official site for the system, states that GPS satellites fly in medium Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 20,200 kilometers, or 12,550 miles, and that each satellite circles the Earth twice a day. They are arranged with care. The satellites sit in six equally spaced orbital planes surrounding the Earth, a layout that ensures users can view at least four satellites from virtually any point on the planet. The United States is committed to keeping at least 24 GPS satellites operational 95 percent of the time. In practice there are more. According to GPS.gov, as of July 3, 2023, there were 31 operational satellites in the constellation.