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by Roritharr 2736 days ago
Any idea why their weight increased so much?
3 comments

The latest generation of GPS satellites has more antennas and more powerful transmitters. This improves signal reception and reduces the impact of jamming.
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.
I wouldn't be surprised if the satellites had additional, classified capabilities.