BEIJING - China plans to launch an unmanned space module, Tiangong-1, in the second half of 2011 for the nation's first space docking, an expert told Xinhua Tuesday.

The 8.5-tonne Tiangong-1, or Heavenly Palace 1, is expected to dock with the unmanned Shenzhou-8 spacecraft, which will be sent into space after the launch of Tiangong-1, said Qi Faren, former chief designer of Shenzhou spaceships.

Qi, a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks before the annual session of the country's top political advisory body, which is scheduled to open Thursday.