Long March 2C | AlSat 3B
Long March 2C • Long March
📝 Mission Description
Long March 2C Launches AlSat 3B: Advancing Earth Observation from Space
On January 31, 2026, China's Long March 2C rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, carrying the AlSat 3B Earth observation satellite into orbit. This mission, a collaboration between the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL), underscores the growing international partnerships in space technology. AlSat 3B, the latest in Algeria's satellite series, is designed to enhance monitoring capabilities for environmental management, disaster response, and resource mapping.
The primary objectives of the AlSat 3B mission focus on high-resolution Earth imaging to support Algeria's national development goals. The satellite features advanced optical sensors capable of capturing images with a ground resolution of up to 2.5 meters in panchromatic mode and 10 meters in multispectral mode. This allows for detailed analysis of land use, urban planning, and agricultural productivity. Additionally, AlSat 3B includes infrared imaging for nighttime observations and environmental monitoring, such as detecting wildfires or tracking climate change indicators like deforestation and desertification. With a planned operational lifespan of five years in a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 670 kilometers altitude, the payload is equipped with onboard data processing to relay real-time information to ground stations, enabling rapid response to natural disasters like floods or earthquakes in North Africa and beyond.
At the heart of the mission is the Long March 2C rocket, a two-stage launch vehicle developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Standing about 42 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, it weighs around 233 tons at liftoff. The first stage is powered by four YF-21C engines using hypergolic propellants—unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and nitrogen tetroxide—delivering a thrust of approximately 2,960 kilonewtons. The second stage employs a single YF-22 engine for orbital insertion. Capable of placing up to 3,850 kilograms into low Earth orbit (LEO), the Long March 2C is optimized for medium-payload missions, with optional solid rocket boosters for enhanced performance. Its design emphasizes reliability and cost-effectiveness, incorporating modular components that allow for quick assembly and launch preparations.
The Long March 2C has a robust performance history since its maiden flight in 1982. Over more than 60 launches, it has achieved
ℹ️ Official Details
Earth observation satellite built by China's CAST for the Algerian Space Agency.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Long March 2C launch of AlSat 3B on January 31, 2026, achieved a successful orbital insertion, marking another reliable performance for this proven rocket system. The mission, executed with precision, saw the Earth observation satellite, developed by China’s CAST for the Algerian Space Agency, deployed into its intended orbit without anomalies. Technical performance was exemplary, with the rocket’s propulsion and guidance systems functioning as designed. The payload deployment process was seamless, ensuring AlSat 3B is now positioned to deliver critical data for environmental monitoring and resource management. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the Long March 2C’s adaptability for international collaborations and CAST’s expertise in satellite design. This success reinforces confidence in the platform for future missions, potentially expanding China-Algeria space partnerships and supporting global Earth observation initiatives with enhanced technological reliability.