China has successfully launched a remote-sensing satellite for Algeria, placing the Chinese-built AlSat-3B spacecraft into orbit aboard a Long March 2C carrier rocket, Chinese state media and industry officials said.
The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, with the rocket deploying AlSat-3B into its planned orbit shortly after liftoff. The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, a major subsidiary of China’s state-owned space conglomerate.
AlSat-3B will operate in tandem with its sister satellite, AlSat-3A, which was launched from the same site in January. Together, the two spacecraft will provide optical Earth observation data to support Algeria’s needs in areas including geological surveying, land-use and agricultural planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster prevention and mitigation.
The mission is part of a cooperation agreement signed in July 2023 between China Great Wall Industry Corporation, the commercial arm of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and the Algerian Space Agency. Under the contract, China is supplying two optical remote-sensing satellites, along with ground systems, training programmes and technical support.
China Great Wall Industry Corporation said the AlSat-3 programme builds on earlier cooperation between the two countries, including the launch of the Alcomsat-1 communications satellite in 2017.
The flight marked the 629th mission of China’s Long March rocket family and the country’s ninth orbital launch of 2026, underscoring Beijing’s continued expansion of its commercial and diplomatic space activities, particularly with partners in Africa.
