Algeria continues its space venture
2005-12-14
Algeria joined the space club three years ago by producing its first remote sensing micro-satellite with British co-operation, which was then orbited by a Russian rocket. Today, the country is arousing international interest by planning a second more powerful satellite and a satellite assembly unit.
By Mohand Ouali for Magharebia in Algiers -- 14/12/05
 [File] ALSAT-1 launched from Russia in 2002 |
On 28 November 2002, the Cosmos M3 rocket left a launch pad in Russia carrying a small 100kg satellite named ALSAT-1 to an altitude of 686km. The $15m satellite is part of a group of seven microsatellites intended for global disaster prevention and management. Other countries participating in the programme are China, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and Britain.
Intended for multispectral image transmission, ALSAT-1 was the fruit of a partnership between the Algerian National Space Technology Centre (CNTS) and the Surrey Space Centre of Britain. A group of 11 researchers mastered the design and production process, while another team established and maintained contact with the satellite and now controls its operation from a base station at the CNTS.
ALSAT-1 has already transmitted more than 1,000 photos for the benefit of users in national and regional development, telecommunications, agriculture and the water resources sectors. It has also played a role following the earthquake that affected Algiers and surrounding areas in 2003, the tsunami that ravaged Southeast Asia and recent French forest fires.
the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) has developed a 15-year satellite programme
On the heels of the initial success, the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) has developed a 15-year satellite programme. It includes the production of a more powerful microsatellite called ALSAT-2, as well as a third satellite dedicated to telecommunications. The satellites and their successors will be partly assembled in a planned small satellite development unit to be located in Oran.
Despite missing some original planning deadlines, the ASAL has confirmed that it will continue to push forward with its space programme. Director Azzedine Oussedik announced that production of ALSAT-2 will begin early next year. Speaking on the third anniversary of the ALSAT-1 launch, he also credited British-Algerian co-operation for enabling the transfer of substantive space technology for the benefit of Algerian scientists. "We shall continue to work with our British colleagues on the ALSAT-2 project," he stated. But the British are not the only ones now in the picture as ASAL has signed several co-operation agreements with space agencies in countries including South Africa, Argentina, Russia, France and the United States.
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خادم الخليفة Posted 2006-12-21
I’m an Algerian citizen, I want to eat and not sapce news.
observateur Posted 2007-01-24
The Algerians should pay attention to their agriculture but the young people today prefer to have a cell in their hands instead of land
yazid Posted 2007-02-24
I am proud of all these achievements. Stop talking about Algeria as if it were Ethiopia. Higher M. Ousdik, when will the next Algerian thrower show up?
Mdrrrrrrrrrrr Posted 2007-02-24
Both weirdos! This comment is darn crap! Long live Algeria. Those who dont like it should keep their mouth shut for ever. God bless Algeria and its people. Salem
algerien Posted 2007-06-01
HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA This is really warped. Especially those who are saying I want to eat but don’t tell me. Hahaha! It's a bunch of crap. Long live Algeria!
aures Posted 2007-06-07
Were are not able to produce a bicycle or a road without potholes and the fanfare is talking about satellites.
احمد ثلقوط Posted 2007-06-20
Salam alaikoum, I'm an algerian student, I'm 20, I want to study in the Space Technology Institute, how is that possible, I liked your article about developing the space industry in Algeria.
sam Posted 2007-07-19
Stop spouting nonsense- who told you that Algeria produces nothing? You do not know Algeria, sir. Algeria manufactures (not simply assembling) motorcycles, bicycles (CMG), buses, cars, trucks (Sonacome), tractors (Cirta), frigates, arms (missiles, kalashnikovs), etc, not forgetting about electronic goods and modern technology. It is true that there is a lot more to do because competition is severe. So stop saying such stupid things and trying to break Algerian’s moral and will. The other one who said he was hungry is just blowing hot air. I do not even know if he is really Algerian; his behaviour is not characteristic of Algerians. He does not want to inform himself!!! Have you no shame to write that? Long live a strong Algeria!
zahtoota Posted 2007-08-28
i'm algerian and not proud of these satellites because its far too little: any country these days has access to that technology ie any country can either build one with minimum infrastructure or buy one off the shelf, what is needed is a proper space launch vehicle (precisely because not any one can do that) so they need to get testing with hardcore engineering all the way rather than do what any small western company can do with a bit of cash, nobody cares about small satellites especially those with algerian specifications (they might as well build sputnik 2) also what is taking so long i mean 15 years why not 150 years ????!!!! 15 years worth of rocket development & testing & redesign is just about acceptable but not satellites come on folks be serious
hakim Posted 2007-09-01
Algeria is just an empty cup, those who say that Algeria has espionage satellites, this is stupid and those who believe that are far more stupid.
darrdji Posted 2007-09-01
Algeria and the Star War. If Algeria has espionage satellites, why does it not send people into space? We can say that Algeria has become NASA.
صلالاح Posted 2007-10-01
Salam alaikoum. We just want the best for the entire Islamic nation. It's true that we want to be on the track of developed countries, but certainly the last Arab nation which owned a satellite is Algeria. It's true that Algeria has a program with South Africa and England to monitor the earth with satellites like spy satellites. But you should be optimistic to achieve the good.
TOUTOU Massinissa Posted 2007-10-01
The over-armament of Algeria threatens the stability of the Maghreb. Algiers is preparing for a war and there is no doubt about it for an observer informed about their delusions of grandeur. Through the Saharan affair, Algeria is trying to impose its dictatorship on all the countries of the region, if necessary, even by war. Decidedly, Algeria has not managed to escape what it has become in the last years, a policy of delusions of grandeur. Whereas from the very beginning Morocco opted for an enthusiastic and stable policy of developing the foundation for the establishment of light industry to provide the essential needs of the population during its transformation, Algeria, the day after its independence, locked its footing into an experiment of prestige that was as useless as it was ruinous. These were known as “industrializing industries” and they were a total fiasco. Bulimia As if the lesson was not retained and if it wasn’t already enough, it is said that, under the pang of their delusions of grandeur, Algeria decided to draw upon the international relations concept of the “theory of power” outlined by H. Morgenthau, in order to build some sort of credo without regard for the context that gave rise to the term. Neither did they look at the adaptability or obsolete nature of the idea. The most important thing remaining, in their eyes, was the concept of power and its corollary: over-armament. Indeed, since the end of the 1960s up until now, Algeria’s masters have been taken by a bulimia of over-armament. Their military arsenal is now one of the most impressive in the world. In the style of dynastic monarchs, all the...
farid Posted 2007-10-04
Listen, before judging a country you need to really understand it, that is to say, historically. Before, Algeria had a social system with a centralised economy. Even if there were advantages, it was a system with limits. But what can we do, rewrite history? Now, since 1991, Algeria has a liberal system. That say’s a lot. There are countries that have been looking for the same for 100 years, and they are still searching. Sure, we need to invest in space research, but we do not have the inferiority complex we could have or should have. As for armament, I completely agree with arming ourselves and professionalizing the entire military corps; it is the protector of our Republic and its secularism. Lebanon has shown us that it is necessary to arm ourselves… you just never know. In this world there are and there always will be wars. If the Moroccans do not want this, that's fine. But they need to stop denigrating Algeria: every land is free to do as it wants.
djahmouma Posted 2007-10-05
Algeria is magnificent. Algerians have been asking themselves what to do about this country since the dawn of time. Several invasions and colonisations took place, we are waiting for it to happen again. The people occupying Algeria today are not true Algerians.
sadek Posted 2007-11-05
When I see these criticisms denigrating Algeria, it is clear they come from our friends to the West. They alone feel the pangs of an “Algeria” complex. For those who speak about “eating”, come to Algeria and we will give you something to eat like we do for your compatriots fleeing the country. (It is a revolving door of sex tourism and so-called religious leaders.) For those pretending to be Algerian, the gentlemen who are not proud of these two satellites: this is your problem. The rest of Algeria is proud of their country’s progress. What makes me laugh is this oddball talking to us about stability. I am sure that you do not even have what it takes to understand the stakes at hand in geopolitics and geo-strategy and talk to us about stability. It would be nice if you spent your time handling the stability of your hormones, particularly oestrogen; the world would be a better place. You, who denigrate us, are pitiful. Do you understand that your jealousy engenders physical and psychological illnesses? More importantly, Algeria has the means to pay for what it wants, unlike others who stick their hands out like beggars, waiting for hand-me-downs from the princes of the Gulf!!!
tarek Posted 2007-11-08
Algeria is advancing at a greyhound’s pace. I am an Algerian and proud of it!
M'hammed Posted 2007-11-09
My Dear Friend Sadek, This is a friend from the West who is speaking to you. We do not have a complex with regards to Algeria, and our great history will not contradict me in this. Ask your elders about the role of your friends to the West in the liberation of your country (armed support of the FLN, giving refuge to the leaders, etc.). Do not fall into the trap of hatred that the colonists and their supports and the Algerian heads of state (both visible and invisible) set up. What truly makes your friends in the West sorry is the heavy squandering of dear Algeria’s riches for the last 40 years in fake expenses. All the while the country has lacked a minimum of infrastructure necessary to the true sustainable economic progress these wonderful people so deserve. Do not forget that these resources are limited. Speaking about satellites and pervasive delusions of grandeur, you know that the photos of the SPOT satellites are delivered on demand at a very competitive price.
Ghobrini Posted 2007-11-09
Wow, satellites!!! WOW!!! And what about a reasonable price for potatoes and books, instead of cellular phones and el hadra batel?
sam Posted 2007-11-17
Long Live Algeria! We love ourselves! The wind will subside and the storm of critics will stop. Why don’t you work instead of just blowing hot air!? All Algerians have their own version of history. We have all become historian-bloggers. We are seem to be made for this.
M'hammed Posted 2007-11-18
Dear Sam, You must know that the time for unrealistic slogans passed with the fall of the USSR and its satellite states. Open your eyes and look around you. There is but a single history: reality and not our own versions of it.
mass71 Posted 2007-12-21
I do not understand this relentlessness against Algeria and the Algerians. Does it bother you if Algeria is trying to be self-subsistent by developing satellites and it has the means to do so? If not, check yourself. Because of the initial armament, Algeria had debts with Russia and made some good negotiations, obtaining accord on anticipated reimbursement. This is to say: Algeria replaced the debt with new contracts and military and civil co-operation in several sectors like gas. Thus, Algeria comes out a winner because it has zeroed out its debt while simultaneously renewing its military infrastructure. We can say that it is a win-win between the two countries. That just means that you can stop denigrating us, especially on the subjects of the army and the space program. As for the rest, we all know that nothing is perfect and every country has its problems. -Bye all
M'hammed Posted 2007-12-29
Dear Mass71, Go talk to the thousands of unemployed and impoverished Algerians and tell them who is profiting from oil. Algeria needs to arm itself against poverty and unemployment, our only visible enemies.
algerian man Posted 2008-01-01
When have technology, we will be able to eat.
blingbling Posted 2008-01-07
Instead of fighting, you would do better to unite and work together. In this way we would be able to speak about a win-win situation. As it is, as time passes, others are progressing while you are pumping out your human and natural resources. This only widens the gap between your country and the developed world. European states are all so very different as far as culture and society go, but, having seen how the major player America destroys anything that moves, they united and now 1€ equals $1.47. There is nothing left to say.
m'hammed Posted 2008-01-09
Thank you blingbling for your wisdom. You really hit upon the intensity of the subject. That is why we Arabs have always said "The hand of God is with the group" or "Work, and God will judge your deeds". We are the inventors of the number zero, and we have stayed on that number long enough.
hicham73 Posted 2008-01-13
Salaam, ask for knowledge even if you have to go to China. Mr. A, you are not Algerian. I am Algerian and I love my country. Leave us in peace!
Légendaire Posted 2008-01-17
I would like to say just one thing: it is employment that would make a difference. I think that in Algeria we have had this for a long time. Time used for seriously productive work equals success.
djazaiiiiriii Posted 2008-01-26
good news to heard algeria has a space program and satelites. but what about this miser , poverty ,unjustice ,dictature (any one get a position in the gouvernement is for ever),unemployment(our young generation lost...harga?????!!!!!)hogra...billions stolen from banks ,companies,gouvernement,(from cousil assembly to high position.)we should start from a base as priority .and the best exemple for whay a said is the last canadian potatoes???????
imagination Posted 2008-02-11
Those who are against the armament are surely naïve. We should not forget that the France’s invasion of Algeria was do to a delinquency in our technology at that time and not simply the because of the lack of war boats, which had been lost previously. Of course, it is not only the armament that matters, but it is still necessary for defence in this era. I am in favour of those who say we should build our own propellants.
محمد Posted 2008-02-20
Algeria is the master of the Mediterranean Sea with or without the satellites. Take your hands off Algeria.
ali Posted 2008-02-20
For the person who derogatorily asked why Algeria is not sending men into space, know this, Sir: there are only three countries that are able to send men into space: the USA, Russia and China. Not even Europe can.
Andrew Powell Posted 2008-02-22
I just don't understand why we all just can't get along. What's the deal? I mean, come on.
hakim Posted 2008-02-25
my hat's off to sadek, may it shine on my friend, i've no more to say.
Moulay Tahar Posted 2008-02-25
Salam alaikoum. Long live Algeria and long live our president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
halahal Posted 2008-03-07
Algeria is the only Arab-Muslim country to have the longest war in the history of the world! France sent 600 thousand men to eradicate Algeria. Algeria is free—something that the other Arab-Muslim countries are not! Do not forget that Algeria saved Cairo with 3 thousand soldiers—something that no other country did, not even the West! Algeria is the uncontested master of the Arab Muslims!!! This needs to be kept in mind!!!
ali Posted 2008-03-10
For those who are still doubtful, Algeria’s space programme is for the next 15 years. After the “Alsat 1” satellite, which has been functioning for five years now, “Alsat 2A” will be launched in 2008 and “Alsat 2B” will be launched in 2009. Then there is “Alcomsat 1”, which is currently in design. For those who said that Algeria does not manufacture anything, well you have to get started with something. So, here we have the “Fernas” and “Safir” airplanes (http://www.aeronautique.ma/des-avions-made-in-algeria_a287.html) For those who wish to follow Algeria’s aeronautics studies, here is the prototype “Chirad 1”, the preliminary of the aircraft at the University of Blida: http://www.aeronautique.ma/chirad-un-embryon-d-avion-a-blida_a480.html. The University of Blida’s address is http://www.univ-blida.dz/fac_ingenieur/index.html and http://www.univ-blida.dz/index.html. For doctoral schools in space technology and application, go to http://www.edtas.com/.
براهيمي محمد Posted 2008-04-14
Long live Algeria + Long live Algeria. I always encourage our Algerian scholars and wish them success.
براهيمي محمد Posted 2008-04-14
I don’t have the phone number, fax or email of the Algerian space agency so how can I get in touch with you if I know any information about anything related to space or astronauts? Or do I call the American Space Agency! Please provide us with the phone number, fax number or email so that we can call you. Please don’t laugh, I am not joking and don’t like jokes much.
ali Posted 2008-04-29
Hello, Contact information for ASAL: http://www.asal-dz.org/contact.php Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) 14, rue Omar Aissaoui El-Hammadia Bouzaréah, Algiers, 16006 Algeria telephone: +213 21 94 11 02 fax: +213 21 94 10 50 email: info@mail.asal.dz
El Haytem Posted 2008-05-03
It is true that there is misery, poverty and a lack of rights, but a country is built with patience. Our people deserve to have a position in this process. We have young people who can work wonders. We need to help and encourage them. I am sure that Algeria will do better than Spain and the South American countries. We need to have faith and never let ourselves be discouraged. These are the kinds of people who make their living working, thinking and acting for the good of their country and their people. This is true dignity. Those who are not able to do anything need to shut their mouths, because the world will say what it will.
Awres Posted 2008-05-31
All satellites—even microchips—have to target those with beards. They must be oriented directly towards the East, towards cursed Arabia! And, they should take a break only five times a day. History shows the difference from the standpoint of other galaxies (that is; the view from our satellites). From above, you will soon get an image of an Arabised Algeria, Islamised to excess. This image is found in the Fakir carpet of 16,790 mosques that have been built since 1962. That means one a day! There are 16,790 rocket-launchers that will never fire! Bravo to the scientists of Numidia and North Africa!
Vieu algerien Posted 2008-06-02
It is nice to see our country develop its arms, especially with regards to the manufacturing of planes and satellites. This brings us security and offers a challenge to our enemies. I am proud to be Algerian. Those who are hungry need to roll up their sleeves: there is work to be found everywhere in Algeria. It is eight hours a day, not three or five like you want, though. And, you cannot have a cell phone because they want people to work. I know this generation is lost: they want money without having to work for it or they want to go abroad. You think you will be working abroad? No, children, you have to work hard anywhere you go just to eat. So, stay home and roll up your sleeves, because life is only found in your country.
redscorp Posted 2008-06-29
Hello Everybody, Frankly, I had thought that there were no more idiots in Algeria (or, at least, not many), but apparently they are still around. There was never a question about Alsat-1 being a spy satellite: it is a civilian, not military, satellite for surveying the ground (earthquakes, forest fires, anti-locust protection and so on). So, stop making things up and casting doubt on our so very beautiful country, may God protect it. And, there are some who would say that Algeria does not have a space programme because it has not managed to design and build its own satellite by itself!!! Show me a country that has done so all alone! Even the United States did this thanks to Russian scientists who fled from the Soviet dictatorship. Stop spouting nonsense. As for the plan for the space programme over the next 15 years, it is not going to take 15 years to design and build a single satellite, but for the research, design, building and launching of several satellites with all sectors— science, water, anti-locust prevention, telecommunication and so on- taking part in this. So, for those who say that Algeria needs potatoes, not satellites, I tell them that it is possible to do both at the same time and that I would appreciate them raising their own standards for themselves. Long live Algeria, free and independent! Glory to our saints and martyrs! May God protect us! And for those who think that I am part of the system, I tell them that they are mistaken: I am just a young Algerian citizen who is ready to die for his country. Don’t mess with my Algeria!
alli Posted 2008-07-13
To those who speak badly of Algeria, I say simply that it is a strong and firm country. Its people eat and sleep. It will never relinquish its principles. Those who say the opposite must go to the field to see.
تاج الدين Posted 2008-07-24
To those who accuse Algeria of threatening the stability of the Arab Maghreb, of being the cause of armament and that Algeria has taken its independence thanks to Morocco, they should close their mouths and take care of the business of their country. We are preparing arms to face any threat. Algeria took its independence thanks to our faithful martyrs who sacrificed their blood for Algeria. This is my country which I consider one of the biggest countries which wants to establish peace in the world and not just in the Arab Maghreb. Concerning the Sahara which they want to take and accuse Algeria of imposing its dictatorship, you should know that Algeria wants to get independence of this oppressed country. You should also know that neighbouring countries to Algeria which were also colonized by France such as Tunisia and Morocco have also taken their independence courtesy of Algeria (we die for persistence). We the Algerians are proud of ourselves. Algeria will develop the programme of satellites God willing. I don’t want just to make a comment, I want a face-to-face debate. Long live Algeria free and independent.
prince Posted 2008-09-24
There are a lot of people who talk without saying anything. In 1962, only 2% of Algerians knew how to read, the French had left leaving only $2 billion (then worth $80 billion), the national library had burnt down and the electricity, water and sewer plants had burnt down too. Some people have short memories. Certainly, errors were made, but so what? This did not prevent young Algeria from advancing and developing in spite of the grinches that bray like donkeys for lack of work. The problem today is one of corruption: it is easy for a foreign group to pay off an official in order to buy preference of their imports. While we wait for administrative police to take care of this, the Algerians--if they were honest--should be content with what they have for the good of their country.
Messaoud Posted 2008-12-04
Some people are obviously jealous and can't stand to see Algeria a powerful modern country... well, if you are one of these people, I have some bad (good for us) news fo you: now that there is peace and stability in Algeria, WATCH THIS SPACE.... you will see what Algerians are capable of!
Ali Posted 2008-12-06
The Centre for Space Technologies is holding its admissions process for its first academic year, 2008-2009. The Centre for Space Technologies is organising an admissions process for its master’s programme for DES state engineer graduates on Tuesday, 30 December 2008 at 8:30 A.M. (http://www.asal-dz.org/images/CNTS.pdf)
Cocercerned Reader Posted 2009-01-27
I agree with all the Algerian lovers out there that this is a good thing for algeria.
Mahmoud Posted 2009-02-04
Everything has a beginning. Even the Americans and Europeans only started with only a little. We have been independent for 46 years, while the Americans waited more than 200 years after their independence to launch the first satellite.
rabah Posted 2009-02-08
Long live Algeria, long live Morocco, down with Bouteflika, down with the Makhzen, down with the Generals... And down with all those who support them!
yanice Posted 2009-02-21
Any self-respecting great power ought to have a space programme. I am Algerian and I note that if Algeria makes just slight progress, then a lot of people start talking in a negative way about its projects (as with the metro). Why? The US’s subways was finished in the 19th Century, so what of it? We are making progress and we do not care about anyone else! Be they strong or week, we will help them, so there. Algeria is our country. To the Kabyles, Arabs, Sahrawis and many more, we must work together in order to develop a satellite so that we become a great power like the USA, Japan and so on. In this regard, work hard and do not quarrel of things that are not worth the bother. –See you later
omide Posted 2009-03-09
I am very proud that Algeria has a space programme worthy of the name. And, I am not worried about its future: the living power of its youth does nothing but make it more attractive to young students. Our country is beautiful. It is progressing with pride and dignity. Long live Algeria! Bravo for its efforts!
alsat Posted 2009-03-23
New technology is very important to the field of remote surveillance. We need this information because the knowledge about our territories will lead to better management and more logical exploitation of it. We may even avoid some of the impact of natural disasters. Personally, I am a developer. I need this type of information in order to better make and propose plans for sustainable development. Knowledge of our territories means detecting strong and weak points. I am very happy to have had our country give importance to this field. -Congratulations!
red76 Posted 2009-05-26
I am proud to be Algerian. We are a very humane people. We are the number-one people of the Maghreb. We are like Europeans, but we are Muslim.
يوسف المغبون Posted 2009-07-06
On the occasion of the Independence and Youth Day on July 5, I seize this great opportunity, the greatness of Algeria and martyrs. I am an Algerian young man, 33. I am a craftsman. I live in the province of Baouaba Sahara. As much as I am proud of being Algerian as much as I hate shining promises which bear thousands of fake promises for young people. These promises include the seven impossible things: getting a house; getting a loan without bribery and...; getting administrative facilities in all administrations; getting a job; meeting the chairman of the district, municipality or...; getting a right; getting a small project though it is your right. So where are we officials? Where are we of satellites? Young people die every day in death boats. I love and adore Algeria. I die for Algeria. However, evil pushes us.
momo Posted 2009-08-12
A big "Bravo" for Algeria! The Europeans are jealous! They think they are the sole owners of science and technology. The young Algerians need to make a lot of effort at work.
حبيب Posted 2009-08-19
There is nothing wrong with that. It is better than nothing.
hama Posted 2009-09-20
space technologies is important for all nations if they wish to embark in this field,true ,it might have military conotations,so be it.What is wrong with that,if it beneficial then why not.Why pay other nations to provide you with informations if you can get them yourself.this is all in the name of progress.Algeria,has no desire to go to war with any of our neighbours but it just want respect.Lets not forget that we have been subjected to fight wars that we did not start.Algeria is the friendliest nation on earth,i beleive in this.Peace to all.
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