How fast do gps satellites orbit

Planetary nebulae. Dark nebulae. Black holes. Vacuum state. Big Bang. Dark matter. Dark energy. Space probes. Space telescopes. Astronomy for children. Life The inert and the living Living cell Liquid water Are we alone? Automatic translation. Category: probes and satellites Updated June 01, GPS satellites follow a near-circular orbit at an altitude of 20, km and an average speed of 3.

Where are our space probes? However, their orbits and orientation to the Earth are approximately correct. GPS satellites are organized into six different orbital paths completely covering the Earth.

Looking at the Earth top down from the North Pole, the six orbits are spaced at 60 degree intervals. Looking at the Earth from the equator, each orbit is moderately tilted at 50 degrees. Think of it this way: When construction workers begin to build, they have to be sure that the area where they are building is free from dangerous power lines.

The construction team will have to find out where the power lines are and make sure they are not building on top of them. To ensure success, the team needs to know the coordinates of the building site and of the local power lines. The team can then compare the two sets of coordinates and make sure they do not overlap.

The NSRS includes traditionally placed markers, or permanent monuments, where the coordinates have been determined. Many of these markers are brass or bronze disks metals that sustain weathering and are set in concrete or bedrock. Most markers are about 9 centimeters wide and have information about NGS printed on their surfaces. Others are made from long steel rods, driven to refusal pushed into the ground until they won't go any farther.

The satellites in the GPS nominal constellation are arranged into in six equally-spaced orbital planes with an inclination of 55 degrees in relation to the equator. This slot arrangement ensures users can view at least four satellites from virtually any point of the planet. The Air Force normally flies more than 24 GPS satellites to maintain coverage whenever the baseline satellites are serviced or decommissioned.

The extra satellites may increase GPS performance but are not considered part of the core constellation. Three of the 24 slots were expanded, and six satellites were repositioned, so that three of the extra satellites became part of the constellation baseline. As a result, GPS now effectively operates as a slot constellation with improved coverage in most parts of the world. Orbits are nearly circular, with eccentricity less than 0. Return to top of page. The GPS constellation is a mix of old and new satellites.

As of November 2, , there were a total of 30 operational satellites in the GPS constellation, not including the decommissioned, on-orbit spares. Go there. GPS is operated and maintained by the U. Space Force.