Re: question on Shenzhou 5


"Gene Cash" <gcash@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ll0zatp2.fsf@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Space.com has a diagram, and it says the orbital module is "capable of
> independent navigation"
>
> Does this mean it can stay in orbit and function after the crew module
> departs? If so, any particular benefit to that? Is this one of the
> advances over Soyuz?

Yes, yes, and yes.

In the short term, it allows you to run automated experiments long after the
crew module departs. In the long term, you can use those orbital modules as
the (at least partial) basis for a space station in LEO. They could at
least be used as storage modules for a station. You can later pack them
with trash and then undock them (and likely command them to reenter and burn
up).

Jeff
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