An Algerian satellite was successfully launched into space on Saturday from northwestern China, marking a new chapter in Sino-Algerian space cooperation.
The remote sensing satellite, AlSat-3B, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March-2C carrier rocket.
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the rocket launched at 12:01 pm local time, or 0401 GMT.
The mission successfully placed AlSat-3B into its designated orbit, completing the launch sequence without incident.
Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, the satellite was built under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
AlSat-3B will support Algeria’s land planning efforts while strengthening disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities across the country.
The launch forms part of Algeria’s broader remote sensing satellite programme, developed in partnership with China Great Wall Industry Corporation.
That cooperation agreement, signed in July 2023, includes two optical satellites, AlSat-3B and its counterpart, AlSat-3A.
AlSat-3A was launched earlier on January 15, alongside ground systems, technical training, and operational support services.
Saturday’s launch marked the 629th mission of China’s Long March rocket series, underscoring the programme’s enduring presence in global spaceflight.
