China to launch Tiangong-1 by end of 2010

If all goes according to plan, China will launch its Tiangong-1 spacecraft by the end of 2010. With research and development on the spaceship now in full swing, China's space program is preparing to take its next step.

During China's Space Technology Forum held in Guangzhou, experts said that the Tiangong-1 is a target spacecraft China is developing for the construction of a space station. Qi Faren, chief designer of the Shenzhou-5, said that the exact timing of the launch will depend on preparatory work.

Qi Faren, Shenzhou-5 designer, said, "Quality is the key to technology. We must guarantee a successful launch. We will launch it whenever we are ready. It will be the end of 2010, or the beginning of 2011."