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In PICS: China's AMAZING space lab of the future

China may launch the country's first space laboratory module at the end of this week with hectic last minute preparations in full swing.

The unmanned Tiangong-1 module was originally scheduled to be launched into low Earth orbit between September 27 and 30.

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In PICS: China's AMAZING space lab of the future

However, the forecasted arrival of a cold air mass at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has pushed the launch back to September 29 or 30, depending on weather and other factors.

"This is a significant test. We've never done such a thing before," said Lu Jinrong, the launch center's chief engineer was quoted by Xinhua as saying.

A full ground simulation was conducted on Sunday to ensure that the module and its Long March 2F carrier rocket are prepared for the actual launch.

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In PICS: China's AMAZING space lab of the future

A month ago, a Long March carrier 2C rocket malfunctioned and failed to send an experimental satellite into orbit.

The Tiangong-1 mission was subsequently rescheduled in order to allow engineers to sort out any problems that might occur during the launch. The Tiangong-1 will stay in orbit for two years.

During its mission, it will dock with China's Shenzhou-8, -9 and -10 spacecraft.

Unmanned docking procedures will be essential for China's eventual goal of establishing a manned space station around 2020.