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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-gps-medium-earth-orbit

About how high do GPS satellites orbit?

About 20,200 kilometers up, in medium Earth orbit.

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  1. About 400 kilometers
  2. About 20,200 kilometers ✔
  3. About 36,000 kilometers

Why: GPS satellites fly in medium Earth orbit, between low orbits like the space station's and the high geosynchronous belt. At about 20,200 km, each one circles Earth about twice a day.

Huh, didn't know that: The GPS medium orbit is sometimes called semi-synchronous because of its roughly 12 hour period.

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Why did the GPS satellite break up with the map? It needed more space.
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References

Answer: About 20,200 kilometers. GPS satellites fly in medium Earth orbit, between low orbits like the space station's and the high geosynchronous belt. At about 20,200 km, each one circles Earth about twice a day.

  1. GPS.gov, Space Segment www.gps.gov/space-segment
    GPS satellites fly in medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km (12,550 miles). Each satellite circles the Earth twice a day.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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