The invention relates to a navigation satellite (10, 10′, 10″), in particular for a medium earth orbit (MEO), having a housing (12) and a navigation antenna (16) connected to the housing (12) for emission of navigation signals in a preferred direction. Furthermore, the navigation satellite (10, 10′, 10″) has an optical communication system (22) for unidirectional or bidirectional signalling having at least one other satellite advancing in the direction of movement and/or having at least one other satellite following in the direction of movement. The navigation satellite (10, 10′, 10″) has a holder (for example as navigation antenna), which is arranged rotatably on the housing (12) about an axis of rotation (17), the optical communication system being (22) arranged on the holder.