Chinesse space officials are preparing to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of China's first space lab, Tiangong-1.

The experimental lab became operational on September 29th, 2011.

Tiangong-1 was only supposed to be active for two years.

But Chinese space officials say the orbiter is still in sound condition.

2016年将发射天宫二号空间实验室

At the same time, Chinese space authorities are working on creating a fully-operational space station.

Wang Zhaoyao is the director of the Manned Space Engineering Office.

"Research and preparation on a couple of new space programs, including Tianggong-2, are currently underway. Other related engineering work is carried out simultaneously. Construction of all major facilities for the space lab is going according to plan."

China is hoping to have the space station completed and operational by 2022.