China has successfully launched the AlSat 3A remote sensing satellite for Algeria, extending long-standing space cooperation between the two countries.
A Long March 2C rocket lifted off at 12:01 pm local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia, placing the spacecraft into its planned orbit. China Great Wall Industry, the international arm of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, confirmed that the mission achieved all objectives.
Built by the China Academy of Space Technology, AlSat 3A is an optical Earth-observation satellite designed to collect imagery and data to support land-use planning, disaster prevention, and mitigation efforts in Algeria.
The spacecraft is the first of two optical remote sensing satellites being supplied under a July 2023 contract between China Great Wall Industry and the Algerian Space Agency. The agreement also includes delivery of ground systems, personnel training, and technical support to enable Algeria to operate and maximize the value of the new satellites.
The launch follows the successful deployment of Alcomsat-1 in December 2017 and represents what officials describe as a new milestone in bilateral space collaboration.
Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the Long March 2C is a two-stage launcher standing 43 meters tall with a liftoff mass of around 242.5 metric tons. It is primarily used for low Earth and sun-synchronous orbit missions.
This flight marked the 626th mission of the Long March rocket family and China’s third orbital launch of 2026
