The Algerian government is preparing to launch its first telecoms satellite in 2013-2014, according to state-owned news agency APS.
Called Alsat-3, the new satellite will cover the entire Algerian territory, claimed a report citing Moussa Benhamadi, the…
The Algerian government is preparing to launch its first telecoms satellite in 2013-2014, according to state-owned news agency APS.
Called Alsat-3, the new satellite will cover the entire Algerian territory, claimed a report citing Moussa Benhamadi, the country’s Minister of Post and Information Technology and Communication.
Speaking on the sidelines of a working visit to the Algerian province of Guelma, Benhamadi allegedly stated that local space agency ASAL is looking to collaborate with its counterparts in other countries on the spacecraft.
APS suggested that Alsat-3 will be used to improve the country’s ICT and internet services.
Both the telecoms ministry and ASAL were unable to comment before the press deadline.
Algeria’s previous spacecrafts, the Alsat-1 and Alsat-2A earth observation birds, have been used to help manage the country’s agriculture and water resources, and support disaster recovery systems.
UK-based satellite manufacturer Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) built Alsat-1, which was launched on a Russian Kosmos 3-M rocket on 28 November 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia. Originally designed with a five-year lifespan, its mission ended seven years and nine months later.
Alsat-2A was built by European manufacturer EADS Astrium, and was launched on 12 July 2010 on an Indian PSLV rocket from India’s Sriharikota launch base.
Notably, the EADS Astrium contract includes the manufacture of another earth observation satellite, Alsat-2B, which will join Alsat-2A. The APS press report did not mention this spacecraft, and suggested that Algeria’s upcoming telecoms satellite would be its third.
A spokesman for EADS Astrium was unable to detail when Alsat-2B will be launched before the press deadline.
