GPS satellites orbiting Earth

October 12, 2024

We rely on GPS satellites to help us figure out exactly where we are. How many of them are orbiting Earth right now? Is it … A.) Four, B.) 15, C.) 24 or D.) 31?

The answer: D.) 31. The GPS satellites are positioned along six different orbital planes approximately 12,550 miles above the earth. Each orbits our planet twice a day. While only four satellites are needed to calculate a precise location, at least 24 are required to cover the planet. The extra seven are backups.