China's space programs, which can be mainly categorized into the following four areas, is often featured by three-stage development, and usually aims to better the lives of all when entering the mature phase.
The lunar exploration is a typical example of a three-phase mission.
Manned space missions have followed the same strategy. During the preliminary stage, manned spaceships were tested and launched. From 2008 to 2016, Chinese space scientists mastered technologies involved in a spacewalk, the launch of space lab, as well as automatic and manned docking. In years to come, the third step of assembling and operating a complex space station is expected.
