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How far above Earth do Navstar GPS satellites orbit?
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GPS
U.S. Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite in orbit over Earth, shown in an artist's conception.
Navstar GPS satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of approximately 12,500 miles (20,000 km). These satellites travel in circular orbits that are inclined 55° to the equatorial plane, completing one full orbit every 12 hours.12