China has launched a remote-sensing satellite for Algeria, placing the Chinese-built AlSat-3B spacecraft into orbit aboard a Long March 2C carrier rocket. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Following liftoff, the rocket deployed AlSat-3B into its designated orbit. The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology and will operate alongside AlSat-3A, its sister satellite built by the same academy and launched from Jiuquan on January 15 using a Long March 2C rocket.
Together, the two satellites will collect data and imagery to support a range of applications in Algeria, including geological surveying, land-use and agricultural planning, environmental observation and disaster prevention and response.
The launch forms part of a broader agreement signed in July 2023 between China Great Wall Industry Corporation, the international commercial arm of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and the Algerian Space Agency. Under the contract, China is supplying Algeria with two optical remote-sensing satellites, along with ground systems, training, and related technical support.
China Great Wall Industry Corporation said the AlSat-3 programme represents another milestone in space cooperation between China and Algeria, building on the successful launch of the Alcomsat-1 communications satellite in December 2017.
This mission marked the 629th flight of the Long March rocket family and China’s ninth rocket launch of 2026.
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