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Basic information about SP3 file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension SP3（*.SP3 or *.sp3）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the SP3 file yourself.

There are 2 file types using the SP3 file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the SP3 file with their brief description and a list of programs that support SP3 file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the SP3 file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the SP3 file?
  • How to open a SP3 file?
  • What programs do I need to open a SP3 file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a SP3 file?
  • How to convert SP3 files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to SP3 file format?


1.Detail information about SP3 file extension: NGS SP3 File

File type NGS SP3 File Category GIS Files
Developer NOAA NGS File format Text
Description SP3 file is a NGS SP3 File developed by NOAA NGS. File created in the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Standard Product #3 (SP3) format; saved in a plain text ASCII format and contains satellite orbit information; used for tracking GPS satellite orbits, but also supports non-GPS orbits as well.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert SP3 files

Windows		 Wolfram Research Mathematica

macOS		 Wolfram Research Mathematica

Linux		 Wolfram Research Mathematica


2.Detail information about SP3 file extension: Windows XP SP3 CD File

File type Windows XP SP3 CD File Category Data Files
Developer Microsoft File format Binary
Description SP3 file is a Windows XP SP3 CD File developed by Microsoft.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert SP3 files

Windows		 Microsoft Windows



Can't open a SP3 file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.SP3”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the SP3 extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support SP3 file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of SP3 files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a SP3 file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a SP3 file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a SP3 file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the SP3 file is damaged.
  • Whether the SP3 file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the SP3 file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the SP3 file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the SP3 file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a SP3 file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a SP3 file.

If the SP3 file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.