ALSAT 3

By one account, Alsat-3 will be a telecommunication satellite and will be the first microsatellite designed and constructed in the new CNTS in Oran, Algeria. Algeria was to make a bid for national creative accomplishments and strengthening of its international authority by the launch of the country’s third satellite – the ALSAT 3. This event was planned for January 2014 on the national test site Hammaguir, situated in the south-west of the country. During 1952-1967, this site was a test center for French space rockets. The first French satellite Astérix was launched from here in 1965. In 1967, according to the Evian Agreement, this site was handed over to the Algerian state.

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Tahar Hadjar said responding to questions from members of the National Council at a plenary session devoted to the presentation and discussion of the framework law on scientific research and technological development, Mr Hadjar announced that the "first satellite 100% Algeria is in progress at the technological pole of Oran and could be launched in February next year."

Hajar said that this achievement was due to the satellite's experience "ALSAT" 1 and 2 conducted by the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) in partnership with specialized British companies in Space Research. Furthermore, Mr Hajar said his sector expects to create "an international innovation center to encourage scientific research" in collaboration with the Algerian researcher and specialist in electronics, Belkacem Habba.

He stressed in this regard that "the classification of Algeria according to scientific innovation index did not reflect the university's efforts but the level of innovation in economic enterprises." Regarding the socio-professional component of the researchers, the minister said his sector the revision of the status of the 2008 researchers to improve the socioeconomic situation of researchers including those activating in the field of technological development and innovation.

Mr. Hajar said in this context that Algeria had 860 researchers per 1 million inhabitants. This is an average close to the global average (1080 researcher for 1 million inhabitants), he argued. "scientific research activities are financed with the participation of public and private economic enterprises and the National Fund for Scientific Research".

Officially, Algeria has no ballistic missile program and data on Algerian ballistic missiles are among the few in the world, if not completely unknown. The only available data seem to be obsolete and date back to the 80s. The decision of Algeria to develop a space launch vehicle has had no media coverage. Credible reports indicate intense efforts provided by the Algerian army to acquire information and skills necessary to develop a reliable and economical space launcher with five countries.

The largest country in Africa by area, the needs of Algeria and other observation satellites have been felt in more steeply during natural disasters and in the multiplication of tension in its geo-strategic environment immediate. Algerians also have bad memories of the refusal of some countries to sell their satellite images as part of their relentless fight against terrorism. If these reports are correct and that the launch will take place before April 2014, Algeria became the surprise guest of the unexpected and exclusive club of space powers.