14 C.F.R. § 1214.702 Authority and responsibility of the Space Shuttle commander.
Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space
(a) During all flight phases of a Space Shuttle flight, the Space Shuttle commander shall have the absolute authority to take whatever action is in his/her discretion necessary to: (1) Enhance order and discipline, (2) Provide for the safety and well being of all personnel on board, and (3) Provide for the protection of the Space Shuttle elements and any payload carried or serviced by the Space Shuttle. The commander shall have authority throughout the flight to use any reasonable and necessary means, including the use of physical force, to achieve this end. (b) The authority of the commander extends to any and all personnel on board the Orbiter including Federal officers and employees and all other persons whether or not they are U.S. nationals. (c) The authority of the commander extends to all Space Shuttle elements, payloads, and activities originating with or defined to be a part of the Space Shuttle mission. (d) The commander may, when he/she deems such action to be necessary for the safety of the Space Shuttle elements and personnel on board, subject any of the personnel on board to such restraint as the circumstances require until such time as delivery of such individual or individuals to the proper authorities is possible. [45 FR 14845, Mar. 7, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 27900, June 18, 1991]
Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
PART 1214—SPACE FLIGHT
Subpart 1214.7—The Authority of the Space Shuttle Commander
§ 1214.702 Authority and responsibility of the Space Shuttle commander.
