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Beijing, Nov.1 (PD Online) -- China's unmanned aircraft Shenzhou-8 blasted off at 5:58 a.m. Beijing Time Tuesday from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest desert area. The spacecraft is expected to dock with Tiangong-1 space lab module that was sent into earth orbit on Sept. 29. The rendezvous and docking maneuver will take place within two days after the launch of Shenzhou-8,which will build up experience for further docking with Shenzhou-9 and -10 in 2012 and the building of a permanent manned space station around 2020. Timeline (Beijing Time): 5:58 a.m. - China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. 6:01 a.m. - The Long March-2F carrier rocket took off the escape tower. 6:03 a.m. - The second rocket divorced itself from the first spent rocket. 6:09 a.m. - Shenzhou-8 separated with carrier rocket. 6:10 a.m. - Shenzhou-8 entered the planned orbit. 6:12 a.m. - Shenzhou-8 opened its two solar panels after separating with carrier rocket. 6:19 a.m. - Commander-in-chief of China's manned space program Chang Wanquan announced that the launch of Shenzhou-8 spacecraft is successful.  More articles about Shenzhou-8
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