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GPS satellite blocks
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<p>GPS satellite blocks are the various production generations of the <a href="/facts/Global_Positioning_System/DKVLnzF3">Global Positioning System (GPS)</a> used for <a href="/facts/Satellite_navigation/lVgPlF5v">satellite navigation</a>. The first satellite in the system, Navstar 1, was launched by the United States Air Force on 22 February 1978. The GPS <a href="/facts/Satellite_constellation/mbTpGjbg">satellite constellation</a> is now operated by the <a href="/facts/2nd_Navigation_Warfare_Squadron/nHElsYmy">2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron</a> (2 NWS) of <a href="/facts/Mission_Delta_31/lTCQkdzl">Mission Delta 31</a>, <a href="/facts/United_States_Space_Force/bWlsxC5D">United States Space Force</a>. </p><p>The GPS satellites circle the Earth at an altitude of about 20,000 km (12,427 miles) and complete two full orbits every day. </p>