China's upcoming Chang'e-8 lunar mission, set to launch around 2029, aims to enhance international collaboration by including payloads from various countries.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) recently announced the selection of 10 projects from 11 countries and one international organization for this mission.

Participating nations include notable institutions from France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the UK, and the USA, highlighting a broad spectrum of global scientific engagement.

Among the selected payloads are a lunar multifunctional operation robot from Hong Kong, a lunar rover from Pakistan, and micro-rovers developed collaboratively by Turkey and China.

Additional payloads feature a radio astronomy array from South Africa and Peru, a laser corner reflector from Italy, and various lunar sensors from Russia, Thailand, and Iran.

The mission will also test in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies, including 3D printing with lunar soil for habitat construction.

CNSA Administrator Shan Zhongde emphasized the mission's goal of fostering international cooperation to advance lunar exploration and scientific innovation.

This initiative aligns with China's broader strategy to promote the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) as an alternative to the U.S.-led Artemis Accords.

As of April 2025, the ILRS has gained participation from 17 countries and over 50 international research institutions, with a target of attracting 50 countries.

In a related effort, CNSA has opened access to lunar samples from the Chang'e 5 mission, receiving numerous applications from international researchers.

Shan reaffirmed that the lunar samples represent a shared treasure for humanity, underscoring China's commitment to peaceful and cooperative space exploration.

The Chang'e 8 mission will target the Leibniz-Beta Plateau near the moon's south pole, an area of significant interest due to its Permanently Shadowed Regions that may contain water-ice.