Orbital module

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The orbital module is a spherical part of Soviet-Russian Soyuz space ship series. Designed for use only in orbit, the module does not need to be strengthened to survive re-entry, allowing it to provide more usable space for less weight than other manned capsule designs. It serves mainly for rest and hygiene procedures of a ship's crew during phase of orbital flight when used as a space station ferry, though on early Soyuz missions the module was used for experiments and even as an airlock for the Soyuz 4/Soyuz 5 EVA crew transfer.

In the Chinese Shenzhou spacecraft, the orbital module has been upgraded to carry its own solar panels and is capable of operating independently as a free-flying spacecraft.

The present form of the planned Euro-Russian CSTS (Crew Space Transportation System) also follows the three module layout of the Soyuz and will include a orbital module.