African space ambitions gained fresh momentum following Algeria’s launch of its third Earth observation satellite and Senegal’s announcement of a second national satellite mission later this year.
Algeria has successfully placed Alsat-3A into orbit from a launch base in China. Developed through a partnership between the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the satellite is designed to deliver high-resolution imagery with a 17.5-kilometre observation swathe and a three-day revisit cycle.
These capabilities are intended to strengthen national mapping, digital elevation modelling, and strategic applications linked to land planning, natural resource management, and risk prevention. With this milestone, Algeria reinforces its position among Africa’s most active space players, alongside Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, and Angola.
In West Africa, Senegal has confirmed plans to launch GAINDESAT-1B in 2026, building on the success of GAINDESAT-1A, the country’s first satellite launched in August 2024. Like its predecessor, the new satellite will collect environmental data and imagery to support natural resource management, territorial monitoring, and climate observation.
The programme also aims to develop domestic expertise and strengthen Senegal’s long-term space capabilities.
According to Ecofin, more than 21 African countries now operate space programmes. Eighteen have launched at least one satellite, bringing the continent’s total to around 65, with more than 120 additional satellites currently under development.
