Algeria launches the Alsat-3B Earth observation satellite

Algeria launched the Alsat-3B Earth observation satellite from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on January 30, 2026, its second satellite of the year, following Alsat-3A in January. Combined, the two launches brought to 69 the number of satellites African countries have launched into orbit since Egypt's NileSat-101 in 1998. Across the continent, the African Space Agency, headquartered in Egypt's New Cairo Space City, has set a target of launching over 120 satellites by 2030, coordinating activity across all African Union member states.