This launch marks the first of a series of missions under a strategic AlgeriaChina agreement designed to strengthen the countrys remote sensing capabilities.
Algeria has launched its sixth Earth observation satellite, ALSAT-3A, marking a major step forward in the countrys 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 AlgeriaChina 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 Chinas 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 Algerias land-use planning while strengthening the countrys ability to monitor environmental changes and respond to natural disasters. These capabilities are particularly significant given Algerias 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 Chinas 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 Algerias Earth observation programme.
The ALSAT-3A mission falls under the second AlgeriaChina Strategic Cooperation Plan for 20222026, 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 Chinas 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. Algerias 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 continents Earth observation capacity to support agriculture, resource management, environmental monitoring and disaster preparedness.
