4 ms·

Any idea why their weight increased so much?

• nradov 8y ago
  The latest generation of GPS satellites has more antennas and more powerful transmitters. This improves signal reception and reduces the impact of jamming.
• walrus01 8y ago
  GPS as received by a small hockey-puck sized antenna is a VERY weak signal, like -140 to -150dB. It only works because the channel size is so narrow and the modulation is very rudimentary. Having a satellite with much larger photovoltaic arrays and really powerful transmitters is one method to overcome regional jamming.
• tgsovlerkhgsel 8y ago
  I wouldn't be surprised if the satellites had additional, classified capabilities.