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How many GPS satellites are there?
As of October 17, 2026, GCAT lists 37 GPS satellites as active or possibly still transmitting, with a median age of 13 years. Its launch log has 75 satellites named GPS, launched between 1983 and 2026. The first 7, from 1978 to 1981, are named Navstar and are not counted here.
37
GPS satellites listed as active
75
Named GPS in the launch log
13 years
Median age of the active ones
April 21, 2026
Most recent launch
The three generations still flying
| Block | Active satellites | Launched |
|---|---|---|
| Block IIF | 12 | 2010 to 2016 |
| Block III | 10 | 2018 to 2026 |
| Block IIR | 15 | 1997 to 2009 |
Block IIR satellites are the oldest of the three still listed as active. Block IIF followed, and Block III is the newest, with the latest launch on April 21, 2026.
How GPS compares with other navigation systems
GLONASS satellites are catalogued under Kosmos names, so they cannot be counted separately here. These counts include satellites that are active or may still be transmitting, which is more than the number a system needs to work.
When they were launched
Sources and method
- GCAT by Jonathan McDowell, CC BY 4.0. Updated October 17, 2026. Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat).
- GPS satellites are those named GPS followed by a block in the GCAT active catalogue. BeiDou and Galileo are counted by name in the same catalogue.