How many NAVSTAR satellites are part of the space segment of the GPS?

The space segment of the Global Positioning System (GPS) is comprised of a constellation of satellites that provide the necessary signals for navigation. Historically, the standard configuration for optimal global coverage of the GPS system consists of 24 satellites. This number allows for sufficient satellite coverage to ensure that at least four satellites are available to a receiver at any given location on Earth, enhancing accuracy and ensuring redundancy in signal reception.

The choice of 24 satellites also accommodates the need for maintenance and potential replacements, as satellites can go offline due to technical issues or end-of-life scenarios. Additionally, while there can be more than 24 satellites in orbit at a given time due to replacements being launched, the minimum operational requirement that guarantees effective coverage remains 24.