Algeria Launches its Next Generation Earth Observation Satellite, ALSAT-3A
Algeria has successfully launched its sixth Earth observation satellite, ALSAT-3A, marking a significant milestone in the North African nation’s expanding space capabilities. The ALSAT-3A remote sensing satellite was delivered to orbit today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China, representing the first of several planned missions under an ambitious Algeria-China space cooperation agreement.
The Long March-2C launch vehicle lifted off from Launch Site 94 at precisely 12:01 pm China Standard Time, carrying the ALSAT-3A satellite toward its predetermined sun-synchronous orbit. The launch proceeded smoothly, with mission controllers confirming the satellite’s successful deployment shortly after liftoff. This marked China’s third space launch of 2026 and the 85th mission for the reliable Long March 2C vehicle.
Supporting Algeria’s Land Planning and Disaster Preparedness
ALSAT-3A was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) in collaboration with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), working closely with the Algerian Space Agency. The satellite is specifically designed to support Algeria’s land-use planning initiatives while significantly enhancing the country’s capabilities in disaster prevention and mitigation. These functions are critical for a nation managing diverse terrain and climate challenges across North Africa.
The satellite represents the first of two remote sensing platforms ordered under a comprehensive contract signed in July 2023, which included two optical remote sensing satellites, ground systems, training, and related support services. This turnkey approach, which encompasses satellite development, launch services, ground infrastructure, and technical training, has become China’s signature model for supporting African nations in rapidly developing indigenous space capabilities.
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Algeria’s second satellite under the agreement, AlSAT-3B, is scheduled for launch in the near future, completing this phase of Algeria’s Earth observation infrastructure.
Strengthening Algeria-China Space Partnership
The deployment of ALSAT-3A falls under the second Algeria-China Strategic Cooperation Plan covering 2022-2026, with space technology identified as a key area of collaboration between the two nations. Chinese state-owned space enterprises have highlighted this mission as a prime example of cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, of which Algeria is an active participant. This latest launch builds upon a successful partnership that began in December 2017 when China delivered Alcomsat-1, Algeria’s first communications satellite, to geostationary orbit. That satellite has since transformed connectivity across Algeria, linking thousands of schools and hospitals while training over three hundred Algerian technicians in satellite operations and maintenance.
With ALSAT-3A now in orbit, Algeria continues to expand its space infrastructure and technical capabilities. The successful launch underscores the growing role of international cooperation in advancing space technology and demonstrates how emerging space nations can leverage partnerships to develop critical Earth observation capabilities.
ALSAT-3A’s launch brings Africa’s total satellite launches to 67, expanding Africa’s fleet of Earth Observation satellites that leverage satellite data to tackle regional challenges in agriculture, resource management, and disaster preparedness.