How long does it take for a GPS signal to get to earth?

1 Answer
Phillip E. · Azhar A.
Apr 24, 2017

It takes about 1/15 second for a GPS signal to reach the Earth's surface.

Explanation:

The GPS satellites are at an altitude of 20, 180 km.

The speed of light is about 300, 000 km/s (299,792,458 m/s to be exact).

Dividing the altitude by the speed of light gives 1/15 seconds.

There will be small time differences depending whether you are directly below or at an angle to the satellite.

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