What is the typical orbit altitude of Global Positioning Service (GPS) satellites?

The typical orbit altitude of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites is approximately 12,554 miles. This altitude places GPS satellites in a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), which allows them to maintain sufficient coverage of the Earth's surface while minimizing the effects of atmospheric interference. This orbit offers a good compromise between coverage area and satellite visibility around the globe, enabling GPS receivers to accurately triangulate their position by receiving signals from multiple satellites.

The higher altitudes listed in other choices, such as 15,000 miles and 20,000 miles, would result in a significant decrease in the satellite’s ability to provide accurate positioning information due to increased distances and reduced signal strength. Similarly, a lower orbit like 10,000 miles may not provide the necessary coverage needed for the satellites to effectively communicate with GPS devices worldwide. Thus, the altitude of 12,554 miles is specifically chosen to optimize performance for GPS applications.