On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Chinese mainland successfully launched a new remote sensing satellite, AlSat-3A, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwest of the Chinese mainland. 🚀
A Long March-2C rocket lifted off at 12:01 p.m. local time, placing the satellite into its preset orbit with precision. 🌍
Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the Chinese mainland's China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, AlSat-3A will support land planning, disaster prevention, and mitigation efforts across Algeria. 🛰️
This launch is part of the Algeria remote sensing satellite system program, a joint project between the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (a subsidiary of the Chinese mainland's CASC) and the Algerian Space Agency. Signed in July 2023, the agreement covers two optical satellites, ground systems, training, and support services.
It follows the delivery of Alcomsat-1 on December 11, 2017 — the first space cooperation project between the Chinese mainland and Algeria.
The mission also marks the 626th flight of the Long March carrier rocket series, highlighting the Chinese mainland's robust track record in space launches. 🎉
This milestone showcases growing collaboration in space technology between the Chinese mainland and its African partners, opening new possibilities for data-driven planning and community safety. 🤝
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
