Space program: How far has Algeria come in its ambitions for 2040?

After launching Alsat-1 in 2002, Algeria continued its space program with Alsat-3A, launched on January 15, 2026, and Alsat-3B, launched from China on January 31. The Earth-observation satellites are intended to support mapping and the production of topographic data, while Alcomsat-1 provides telecommunications services, including VSAT connections in remote areas. Algerian engineers contributed to the development and testing of Alsat-1B, Alsat-2B and the Alsat-1N nanosatellite at the Satellite Development Center in Oran. By 2040, Algeria plans to expand its space infrastructure, train engineers and build domestic capabilities to design future systems, gradually reducing reliance on foreign partners.