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.
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.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/02/02/algeria-launches-alsat-3b-its-second-satellite-of-2026/