# Alsat-3A

> Algerian Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q138009153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138009153)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsat-3A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alsat-3a

## Summary
Alsat-3A is an Algerian Earth observation satellite operated by the Algerian Space Agency. Manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology, it was successfully launched aboard a Long March 2C rocket on January 15, 2026. The satellite is designed to observe Earth from orbit and is powered by a system of three solar arrays.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** January 15, 2026, at 04:01.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 2C.
- **Launch Site:** Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- **Operator:** Algerian Space Agency.
- **Manufacturer:** China Academy of Space Technology.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2026-009A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 67474.
- **Entity Type:** Earth observation satellite.
- **Power System:** Spacecraft solar array (Quantity: 3).
- **Country of Origin:** People's Republic of China.

## FAQs
### Q: Who manufactured and operates Alsat-3A?
A: Alsat-3A was manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology in the People's Republic of China. It is operated by the Algerian Space Agency.

### Q: When and how was Alsat-3A launched?
A: Alsat-3A launched on January 15, 2026, at 04:01, using a Long March 2C rocket. The launch took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What is the primary function of Alsat-3A?
A: Alsat-3A is an Earth observation satellite, which is an artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit.

## Why It Matters
Alsat-3A represents a continued investment by Algeria in space-based assets for Earth observation, facilitated through international cooperation with China. As an Earth observation satellite, it plays a critical role in gathering data for the Algerian Space Agency, likely supporting various applications such as mapping, resource management, and environmental monitoring, though specific mission goals are not detailed in the provided source.

The satellite is significant for its integration of Chinese manufacturing technology—specifically by the China Academy of Space Technology—into the Algerian space program. The successful deployment via the Long March 2C launch vehicle from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center underscores the operational space partnership between the two nations. Its identification as part of the Alsat series indicates a structured expansion of Algeria's capabilities in remote sensing.

## Notable For
- Being an Earth observation satellite specifically for Algeria.
- Utilizing the Long March 2C orbital carrier rocket for its deployment.
- Being manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology for a foreign operator.
- Launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- Having a specific COSPAR ID of 2026-009A and Satellite Catalog Number 67474.

## Body
### Mission Profile
Alsat-3A is classified as an Earth observation satellite. It is identified by the Wolfram Language entity code `Entity["Satellite", "67474"]` and has a Wikipedia title of "Alsat-3A". The satellite follows entity Q28869431 and is followed by entity Q138301982 in its respective sequence or series.

### Development and Manufacturing
The satellite was constructed by the **China Academy of Space Technology**. While the operator is the **Algerian Space Agency** (representing the country of Algeria), the country of origin for the spacecraft itself is listed as the **People's Republic of China**.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft is equipped with a **spacecraft solar array** power system. Specifically, it is powered by **three** solar arrays.

### Launch Details
Alsat-3A underwent a significant rocket launch event on **January 15, 2026**.
- **Time:** 04:01
- **Location:** Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
- **Vehicle:** Long March 2C
- **COSPAR ID:** 2026-009A
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 67474

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/alsat-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report