According to the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defence (COSTIND), China is apparently ready to launch its first lunar satellite in September and forms the first step in its three phase moon program. This orbiter will beam back 3D images of the moon's surface, analyze the distribution of 14 usable elements on the moon, study lunar microwaves, and estimate the thickness of the moon's soil. The second phase will be the launch of a rover in 2012 and third phase will include a rover which lands on the moon and return to earth with soil samples.

China will demonstrate and validate its space walk capabilities in 2008 and an astronomy satellite in 2010 carrying a "hard X-ray modulation telescope."