ALSAT-2A, designed and built by Astrium, was launched at 04.52 (BST) this morning aboard an Indian PSLV rocket from the Sriharikota launch base on behalf of the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL). ALSAT-2 is the first Earth observation satellite from Astrium’s AstroSat100 product line, based on the Myriade platform, also comprising the first flight model of the new NAOMI optical instrument.

The contract covered design and development of two identical satellites: the first, ALSAT-2A, was built, integrated and tested by Astrium. The second, ALSAT-2B, will be built in Algeria by ASAL engineers. The programme also includes the development and on-site installation of two ground control segments and one image processing facility enabling the two satellites to be fully operated and controlled by ASAL engineers from Algerian territory. Around 30 engineers from ASAL spent some time working alongside the Astrium development team in Toulouse following a knowledge transfer and prime activity support programme. The first ground control segment and the image processing facility have been installed in Ouargla in time for ALSAT-2A operations to commence following the launch. ASAL is responsible for launch and in-orbit operations of the satellites, while the LEOP (Launch & Early Operations) are being conducted by Astrium from its Toulouse control centre.

The two-satellite system will enable Algeria to obtain very high quality images for use in a wide variety of applications, including cartography, management of agriculture, forestry, water, mineral and oil resources, crop protection, management of natural disasters and land planning.