question on Shenzhou 5

> 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?

> 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?

>Well, if the thing has docking connectors on both ends, Shenzhou 7
>could bring another one up, and then Shenzhou 8 a third, and after
>adding little to little, soon there could be a great pile, or a string
>of pearls if you prefer. Presto, a "space station." :) As a bonus,
>the Chinese get practice in orbital rendezvous.
>I've no idea how many one could expect to chain together before it
>became unwieildy, but I suppose if Shenzhou N brought-up a "cross
>peice" or something it could become more than just a long string. And
>there is the question of how long any one module can remain in orbit
>independently I suppose among a myriad of other questions no doubt.

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