Tiangong-1 is China's first space laboratory, due to launch on September 29th 2012. It will launch unmanned and orbit the earth for a few weeks until Shenzhou 8 launches, when the 2 constructs will dock together to form a habitable structure. It will then house various astronauts for weeks at a time for several years.

The results from this lab's launch and research will provide China with critical information on the development and upkeep of future space stations. China's space programme is expected to develop rapidly over the coming decade, possibly in opposition to Western programmes such as the ISS.