From: jrs@merlyn.demon.co.uk   
      
   JRS:  In article , dated Wed, 12   
   Oct 2005 20:57:52, seen in news:sci.space.tech, Rick Jones   
    posted :   
      
   >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.   
      
   If they're feeling clever, they point the docking connectors 18 degrees   
   off-axis.  Then, after launching ten, they have a ring.   
      
   If they're feeling really clever, they add a little twist.  Then they   
   can have a helix ... "Combined Operation", James White.   
      
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