The Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) celebrates the sixth anniversary of the launch of the Algerian high-resolution Earth observation satellite (AlSat-2B). Today, September 26, 2022, marks the sixth year that the AlSat-2B was put into orbit by the Indian launcher PSLV-C35 with a design lifespan of five years.Â
As was the case for ALSAT-2A, the prospects for AlSat-2B already look promising as it continues to operate satisfactorily after six years in orbit behind its twin ALSAT-2A, which continues its adventure for more than 12 years in orbit. Since its launch on 26 September 2016, ALSAT-2B has provided more than 114,800 panchromatic (2.5 m) and multispectral (10 m) images. In addition, 50% of these satellite imageries were intended to help with national concerns, while nearly 20% were designed for the continent’s sustainable development.
Owing to the optimal use of its resources, AlSat-2B has been helping to reinforce Algeria’s capacity and autonomy in high-resolution satellite imagery needed to offer seamless data for decision-making at a reduced response time.
A strategy has been implemented by the CDS (Centre of Satellites Development) engineers for the evolution of the local time of passage of the satellite. As a result, after six years in orbit, the satellite’s local time is at 09:37, which is optimal for the lighting conditions in the areas covered.
To this end, a new orbit correction campaign for the AlSat-2B satellite is being prepared for execution in October 2022 to correct the inclination of the satellite by ~0.1 degrees. This correction will make it possible to maintain the evolution of the satellite’s local time above 09:30 at least until 2030, with the option to extend beyond this set time frame.
At the end of these campaign manoeuvres, the remaining fuel will be sufficient to ensure the continuity of the satellite’s mission, ensure orbit corrections on the semi-major axis (avoidance manoeuvres, eccentricity), and its deorbiting at the end of its mission life.
