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.
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.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/01/15/algeria-launches-its-next-generation-earth-observation-satellite-alsat-3a/