Algeria Launches ALSAT-3B, Its Second Satellite of 2026

Algeria has successfully launched its second satellite of 2026, ALSAT-3B, an earth observation satellite developed and launched in collaboration with China. The satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre aboard a Long March-2C rocket at 12:01 pm Chinese Standard Time on 30 January, marking another step in Algeria-China space cooperation and the continued expansion of Algeria’s space programme. ALSAT-3B was developed by the Fifth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and will primarily support land-use planning and disaster prevention and mitigation.

Following the January 15 launch of ALSAT-3A, the deployment of ALSAT-3B marks a historic milestone for Algeria, with two satellites launched within a single month. Together, the two missions complete the July 2023 Algeria–China contract for the development and launch of two optical remote-sensing satellites, along with associated ground systems, training, and support services. Both satellites are designed to deliver high-resolution imagery for Earth observation and strengthen Algeria’s geospatial intelligence capacity.

Click here to read: Algeria Launches its Next Generation Earth Observation Satellite, ALSAT-3A

Following the successful launch, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued joint statements on Saturday. President Xi described the Algerian remote sensing satellite project as another successful example of China-Algeria aerospace cooperation and an important demonstration of the two nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

“Algeria is willing to continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China,” Tebboune said.

Contributing to Africa’s Growing Satellite Fleet

With the deployment of Algeria’s two Earth observation satellites, Africa’s space presence now totals 68 satellites, largely dedicated to Earth observation and positioned to enhance capabilities in land planning, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, at least eight new African satellites are projected to launch this year, assuming all planned launches proceed as planned for the countries involved. Among these is the multilateral AfDevSat satellite, a climate-monitoring project involving Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda, for which a launch this year is a strong possibility.