GPS satellites orbiting Earth

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.

Tags: GPS, navigation, satellites