China Launches Spacecraft, first step toward building its own space station

China has launched an unmanned spacecraft, in what is described as Beijing's first step toward building its own space station.

The 8.5 ton module - known as Tiangong-1, or "Heavenly Palace" - lifted off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, a site in China's northwestern Gobi Desert, late Thursday night local time. The craft was propelled by a Long March 2F rocket.