“The launch is a milestone that will boost continental space ambitions,” Says Mahmoud Youssouf
ADDIS ABABA, 16th January –The African Union (AU) Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf, has extended congratulations to Algeria on the successful deployment of the ALSAT-3A Earth observation satellite, heralding the event as a major step forward for Africa’s space and geospatial prowess.
“This achievement underscores Algeria’s leadership in space science and its commitment to harnessing satellite technologies for sustainable development, environmental monitoring, disaster risk reduction, and informed policymaking,” stated Mr Youssouf.
He further expressed hope that the enhanced high-resolution data from ALSAT-3A will advance both national and continental priorities, aligning with the goals of Agenda 2063 and the African Space Policy and Strategy.
The Commission also acknowledged the international cooperation underpinning the launch and commended Algeria’s ongoing peaceful investment in outer space for Africa’s collective progress.
Launch Details
The ALSAT-3A remote sensing satellite, Algeria’s sixth Earth observation platform, was lofted into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China. A Long March-2C rocket lifted off from Launch Site 94 at precisely 12:01 pm China Standard Time (05:01 am Algerian time), delivering the satellite to its designated sun-synchronous orbit. The mission, confirmed successful shortly after liftoff, marked China’s third launch of 2026.
This launch initiates a key phase of an ambitious Algeria-China space cooperation agreement. ALSAT-3A, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) in collaboration with the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL), is the first of two optical remote sensing satellites contracted in July 2023.
The comprehensive contract includes ground systems, training, and support services, exemplifying China’s turnkey model for assisting African nations in building indigenous space capabilities.
The partnership falls under the second Algeria-China Strategic Cooperation Plan (2022-2026) and is highlighted as a flagship project within China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It builds on prior collaboration, notably the 2017 launch of Algeria’s first communications satellite, Alcomsat-1.
Enhanced Capabilities
The launch was overseen from Algeria’s Remote Sensing Satellite Station by Army General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army. He was joined by senior military officials, the Director General of ASAL, the Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, and the Chinese Defence Attaché.
A communiqué from the Ministry of National Defence confirmed the operation’s success, noting that ALSAT-3A will provide the nation with very high-resolution observation data. This will significantly strengthen capabilities in geospatial intelligence, mapping, and digital terrain modelling, supporting land-use planning and disaster prevention across Algeria’s diverse terrain.
The ministry recalled Algeria’s steady advancement in space, beginning with the Alsat-1 satellite in 2002, followed by Alsat-2A in 2010 and Alsat-2B in 2016. It emphasised that the launch, developed with contributions from Algerian experts, represents a new achievement in the state’s efforts to master space technologies.
With ALSAT-3B scheduled for launch in the near future, Algeria continues to systematically expand its space infrastructure. This launch elevates Africa’s total satellite count to 67, bolstering a continental fleet increasingly leveraged to address regional challenges in agriculture, resource management, and disaster preparedness through enhanced Earth observation.
romondi99@theeyeswatchmedia.co.ke
