Algeria Advances Space and Earth Observation Capabilities with ALSAT-3A and ALSAT-3B Satellites
Algeria launches ALSAT satellites - advancing space capabilities and AI applications in Earth observation.
Algiers, January 31, 2026 – Algeria has successfully launched AlSat-3A and AlSat-3B, a pair of high-resolution Earth observation satellites developed in collaboration with China, marking a major advance in the country’s space capabilities (APS). The two sister satellites were sent into orbit on January 15 and January 31, 2026, respectively, each aboard a Chinese Long March-2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China (China-in-Space; Xinhua).
These back-to-back launches, completed just over two weeks apart, form part of the broader Algeria–China cooperation framework in the space sector, aimed at strengthening Algeria’s Earth observation and remote sensing capabilities for national development needs.
Capabilities, Mission Scope, and Applications
The AlSat-3 satellites mark a significant step in Algeria's Space and Earth observation (EO) program, strengthening national access to satellite-derived EO data and reinforcing strategic geospatial monitoring capabilities. The system is primarily set to support land-use planning while enhancing capacities for disaster prevention and mitigation, as reflected in published reports (Xinhua; China-in-Space).
Access to high-resolution satellite imagery expands the scope and effectiveness of geospatial applications related to territorial monitoring, environmental observation, and national planning across Algeria's public institutions, supporting strategic analytics, including AI-enabled geospatial analytics, and the integration of EO data into institutional decision-making processes.
Within Africa and the wider region, the program positions Algeria as an emerging actor in space-based EO and AI-enabled geospatial applications, supporting long-term digital transformation and regional engagement.
Development and International Cooperation
AlSat-3A and AlSat-3B were manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) under an agreement led on the Algerian side by the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL), in coordination with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) (China-in-Space). The cooperation agreement, signed in July 2023, includes the provision of two remote-sensing satellites along with associated ground control systems, training, and technical support to enable their operation.
Algerian engineers and specialists contributed to the satellite development process and are involved in operating the spacecraft from a national Remote Sensing Satellite Station (APS). The AlSat-3 program was developed within the framework of the Algeria–China Strategic Cooperation Plan (2022–2026) and builds on earlier bilateral space cooperation, notably the successful launch of the Alcomsat-1 communications satellite in 2017.
The importance of the launches was underscored by the exchange of messages between President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and President Xi Jinping following the successful deployment of the satellites, reflecting the significance attributed by both countries to bilateral space cooperation and long-term partnership in advanced technologies.