The graphics shows the separation of Shenzhou 8 spacecraft and Tiangong-1 space lab module on Nov. 16, 2011. [Xinhua]

China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou 8 departed from the prototype space lab Tiangong-1 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, preparing for return to earth, a spokesperson for China's manned space program said.

This came after China had successfully completed its first two space docking tests that joined the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft, launched on Nov. 1, and the target orbiter Tiangong-1, on Nov. 3 and Nov. 14, respectively.

Tiangong-1, a module of a planned space lab, has been in orbit since its launch on Sept. 29.

The Beijing Aerospace Control Center, which is in command of the mission, will signal Shenzhou-8 back to earth Thursday after conducting a series of examinations, tests and preparation, the spokesperson said.

The re-entry capsule of Shenzhou-8 is set to land on ground at around 7 p.m. Thursday, the spokesperson said.