Space lab edges closer to flaming finale

Tiangong I, China's first space laboratory, is expected to re-enter the atmosphere between March 31 and April 4, ending its nearly six and a half years in orbit with a light show, as most of it burns away in the sky and the rest falls into the ocean.

As of Sunday, the space station remained intact and in orbit more than 200 kilometers above the ground, according to the China Manned Space Agency. It will re-enter the atmosphere soon, and the agency said it will provide daily status updates on its website.

Launched on Sept 29, 2011, Tiangong I - also known as Heavenly Palace - is a key part of China's plan to develop its own manned space station similar to the International Space Station by the early 2020s.