National Space Program (Algeria)
Adopted by the Algerian Government on November 28, 2006 and spanning 15 years (2006–2020), with a review every 5 years, the National Space Program (NSP) is the reference instrument for space policy of Algeria. Algeria's objectives is to make of space tools a powerful instrument in national prosperity in the fields of earth observation ,meteorology and communications.
Program Alsat
The "Alsat program " is a constellation of Algerian earth observation satellites operated by the Algerian Space Agency. Algeria has three (3) operational units and one (01) retired mission.
Retired missions
Alsat-1
Alsat-1 is the first earth observation satellite of Algeria. Its principal mission is monitoring natural resources. It was a Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) satellite that is developed and coordinated by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).
The satellite is a 60-centimeter cube, and weighs about 92 kilograms. The imaging system covers the green, red, and the near infrared, at a resolution of 32 meters.
It was placed in orbit by a kosmos-3M launch vehicle from the Russian cosmodrome of Plessetsk, on 28 November 2002. Its orbit is heliosynchronous at an altitude of about 700 kilometers with orbital inclination of 98°.
Its first images were received on December 17, 2002 at the reception stations of the Center of space technics (Centre national des techniques spatiales CNTS) at Arzew, Algeria. Alsat-1 completed its mission on 15 August 2010.
Operational missions
Alsat-2
On February 1, 2006, EADS Astrium announced the signature of a contract for the realisation of two (02) satellites (Alsat-2A et Alsat-2B) of the Alsat-2 Program.[1] The Alsat-2 program includes also the establishment of two ground control segments and an image terminal to control and pilot the satellites from Algerian territory.
Alsat-2A
Alsat-2A is a high resolution earth observation satellite that was integrated and tested in France at the d'EADS Astrium workshops with participation of 29 Algerian engineers. It was launched by a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on 12 July 2010. With a resolution of 2.5m in panchromatic mode, and of 10m in multispectral mode, it provides satellite images for multiple applications such as topography, agriculture, cartography, and protection of the environment.[2]
Characteristics (Alsat-2A)
The satellite is based on the Myriade platform of the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES) and is placed in a polar heliosynchonous orbit.
It has the following characteristics
- weight at launch :130 kg
- embarked none-volatile memory : 64 Gbit
- payload : Télescope en carbure de silicium
- Panchromatic mode resolution : 2.5m
- multispectral mode resolution: 10m
- Largeur de la fauchée : 17.5 km.
Alsat-2B
Alsat-2b is the 2nd high resolution earth observation satellite and the 2nd unit of the Alsat-2 program launched on 26 September 2016 with a PSLV-C35 rocket.[3]
Alsat-2b was made in Algeria by ASAL, weights about 125 kg. [4] its characteristics and payload are not yet published by the Algerian space agency .Alsat-2B is operational. [5] images taken by Alsat 2B in muptispectral mode (visible and near infra-red) and in panchromatic mode will be invested in important thematic and economic fields such as : urban and agricultural planification of the territory and littoral, cartography,fellowing mega-projects ...etc.
Alsat-1B
Alsat-1B is a medium resolution earth observation satellite based on the SSTL-100 platform.[3] the satellite weights 110 kg. it was integrated at the center of development of satellites of the Algerian space agency in Oran. its images are used for the management of natural disasters and the protection of the Environment.[3]
Alsat-1b was launched on 26 September 2016 by a PSLV-C35 launch vehicle.[3][5] Alsat-1B is a Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) satellite coordinated by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) .[5]
Payload (Alsat-1B)
the satellite carries .:[6]
1- ALITE ( ALgerian Imager TElescope) : delivers medium resolution images of 12m in panchromatic mode and 24m in multispectral mode .
2- radiation monitor : permits a better understandanding of the environment of radiation that satellites circulating in low earth orbit are exposed to .
Program objectives (Alsat-1B)
- know how technology transfer :
- training 18 Algerian engineers
- Algerian led program activities
- Spacecraft AIT performed by Algerian enhineers at Center of Developpement of Satellites (CDS)
Mission Charactiristics (Alsat-1B)
- Orbit : 700 km, heliosynchronous
- Lifetime (Minimum) : 5 years
- Ground Smapling distance:
- 12 m panchromatic
- 24 m multispectral nominal ( blue, green, red and Nir )
- 12 m Multispectral enhanced
- Swath : 150 km
- Signal to noise ratio (SNR : PAN>=100, MS >=100)
- Modulation transfert function (MTF) PAN >=0.1, MS>=0.3)
- Imaging Capability: 40 scenes per day (Standard mode)
Scientific research
Alsat-Nano
Alsat-1N or Alsat-Nano is a 3U technology demonstration nano-satellite,weight of 3.5 kg.built by an Algerian-British team in application of the cooperation agreement signed between the Algerian Space Agency and the l'UK Space Agency. 18 Algerian engineers used the satellite as a pedagogical tool during their graduation research at Surray University.
the main mission objectives are test of three (03) innovative components :camera, fin solar films and a measure of radiation. Data obtained by the satellite will be studied by Algerian and British researchers.[5] Alsat-1N was launched on September 26, 2016 by an ISRO PSLV
Alsat-1N Charactiristics
- Form faction : Cubsat 3U .
- Dimensions : 100*100*140mm.
- Mass: 3.470 kg.
- Orbit : Sun-Synchronous.
- Altitude :670 km.
- Inclination : 98.16°.
- Communication : VHF uplink UHF downlink.
- Altitude control: 3 axis magnetorquer and 1 reaction wheel (Y-Thomson).
Payload (Alsat-1N)
3 Scientific and technology demonstration payloads :
- Thin film solar cells (TFSC) : 4 Solar cells .
- Compact CMOS camera demonstration 2G (C3D2): Including 3 Cameras, 2 Wild field imagers and 1 Narrow field imager.
- Astrotube boom tm : Deployable and rectractable boom incorporating a RADFTET and a magnetometer.
Program Alcomsat
Is a telecommunications satellites program.
Alcomsat-1
Alcomsat-1 is a telecommunications satellite built in partnership with China Great Wall Industry Corporation. It will be launched sometime in 2017 The satellite will provide television, VSAT and internet access . It will be positioned longitude 24.8W or 27.6W.[8]
Planned missions
Alsat-3 and Alsat-4 are also planned to cover national needs [7]
Notable achievements
The Algerian Space Agency in charge of the National Space Program of Algeria is now capable of:
- Design and implementation of an earth observation satellite.[4]
- Assembly, integration, and tests of its satellites at its Center of Developpement of Satellites (CDS) in Oran.[3]
- Conducting orbital manoeuvres and tests in orbit of its satellites autonaumously (both Alsat-1B and Alsat-2b were handled by ASAL autonomously after their first signals few moments after separation from the launch vehicle).[5]
- Treatment and analyses of products images obtained by its satellites at its Center of Space Techniques (CST).
See also
References
- 1 2 "EADS Astrium fournira le système d'observation optique ALSAT-2 à l'algérie". airbus defence and space (in French). Retrieved 2007-10-24.
- ↑ "ASAL: Agence Spatiale Algerienne" (in French). Retrieved 2016-03-20.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Algerian Space Agency". Algerian Space Agency. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
- 1 2 "successful-launch-of-alsat-2b-completes-airbus-defence-and-spaces-alsat-programme . ALSAT-2". Airbus Defence and Space. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Algerian Space agency". Algerian Space Agency. Retrieved 2017-03-10.
- ↑ "Test Alsat-1b". Algerian Space Agency. Retrieved 2017-03-10.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Algeria in the 60 th session of copuos" (PDF). Algerian Space Agency. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
- ↑ "Lancement d’Aat-1, quels bénéfices pour l’ANP ?" (in French). Retrieved 2016-09-26.