Patriotic Launch

China is set to launch an experimental space station module this week, right in time for the start of the country's national holiday.

The launch of the Tiangong-I, the "Heavenly Palace," is timed for this evening in the Gobi desert. The unmanned model, with a two-year lifespan, is China's first step toward a permanent manned presence in space, according to reports in Chinese media, which loudly trumpeted the event on Thursday. The space milestone comes just two days before China kicks off its week-long national day celebrations, with Oct. 1 marking the 61st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic.

Analysts have noted the space station is likely part of China's military build-up. Chinese officials have said the manned station will be in place within the next decade. This first module will orbit the earth for two years before falling into the ocean.