The graphic shows the schematic image of Shenzhou-8 docking with Tiangong-1. China will launch its unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 early Tuesday for the country's first space docking, a major step closer to the goal of building a permanent space station around 2020.[ jz.chinamail.com.cn]

China will launch its unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou 8 today for the country's first space docking, a major step closer to the goal of building a permanent space station around 2020.

Shenzhou 8 will take off at 5:58 a.m. today, carried by a modified model of the Long March CZ-2F rocket at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia.

The spacecraft is due to couple with Tiangong-1, or "Heavenly Palace," China's first space lab module within two days after the launch for the country's first docking. Tiangong-1 was sent into space on Sept. 29.

They will separate after flying together for 12 days but will carry out a second docking later.

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