Tiangong-1 space lab's re-entry into Earth imminent: China

China today confirmed the 10.4-metre-long (34.1-foot) Tiangong-1 space lab launched in 2011 is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and land somewhere off Sao Paulo.

China had said last year that its reentry would be delayed leading several experts to speculate that it had lost control of the space lab.

The space lab was originally planned to be decommissioned in 2013 but its mission was repeatedly extended.

In the past week, speculation has been growing about its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. China says it will fall off Sao Paulo, however, Beijing had said on Friday that it is unlikely any large pieces will reach the ground.

The space lab is widely believed to burn up as it enters the Earth's atmosphere. Reports say there has been no contact with Tiangong-1 for the past two years.

Tiangong-1 which in Mandarin means “Heavenly Palace” weighs nearly 8.5 tonnes.

It still remains to be seen if the debris will fall into the Earth's atmosphere.