China will launch 15 rockets, 17 satellites and the Shenzhou VII spacecraft in 2008, the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND) said?in Beijing?Monday.

Huang Qiang, secretary general of the COSTIND, said the Shenzhou VII, the country's third manned space mission, was a major task for the year. He urged full cooperation between all related departments for the program.

Further details of the rockets and satellites were not provided.

Huang also said that nearly 30 new technologies would be used during the Beijing Olympic Games this summer, including the Olympic torch, security system and meteorological services provided by a new satellite.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2008)