Algeria has launched its sixth Earth observation satellite, ALSAT-3A, marking a major step forward in the country’s growing space programme and its strategic cooperation with China. The remote sensing satellite was placed into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China, becoming the first mission delivered under a broader Algeria–China space cooperation agreement.
The satellite was carried aboard a Long March-2C launch vehicle, which lifted off from Launch Site 94 at 12:01 pm China Standard Time. Mission controllers later confirmed the successful deployment of ALSAT-3A into its designated sun-synchronous orbit. The launch represented China’s third space mission of 2026 and the 85th flight of the Long March-2C rocket.
ALSAT-3A was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology in partnership with China Great Wall Industry Corporation, working closely with the Algerian Space Agency. The satellite has been designed to support Algeria’s land-use planning while strengthening the country’s ability to monitor environmental changes and respond to natural disasters. These capabilities are particularly significant given Algeria’s varied geography and climate conditions across North Africa.
The satellite is the first of two optical remote sensing platforms ordered under a contract signed in July 2023. The agreement includes not only satellite manufacturing and launch services, but also ground systems, technical training and long-term support. This turnkey model reflects China’s established approach to helping African nations build independent space capabilities through integrated technology transfer and capacity development.
The second satellite under the agreement, ALSAT-3B, is expected to be launched in the near future, completing the current phase of Algeria’s Earth observation programme.
The ALSAT-3A mission falls under the second Algeria–China Strategic Cooperation Plan for 2022–2026, which identifies space technology as a priority area for bilateral collaboration. Chinese state-owned space organisations have described the project as a key example of cooperation within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, of which Algeria is a participant.
The launch builds on earlier achievements between the two countries, including the successful deployment of Alcomsat-1 in December 2017. Algeria’s first communications satellite has since played a critical role in expanding national connectivity, linking thousands of schools and hospitals and supporting the training of hundreds of Algerian satellite engineers and technicians.
With ALSAT-3A now operational in orbit, Algeria continues to strengthen its space infrastructure and technical expertise. The mission highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing space capabilities and demonstrates how emerging space nations can leverage cooperation to develop essential Earth observation systems.
The launch also brings the total number of satellites launched by African countries to 67, further expanding the continent’s Earth observation capacity to support agriculture, resource management, environmental monitoring and disaster preparedness.
Source: https://satelliteprome.com/news/algeria-launches-alsat-3a-earth-observation-satellite/
