Since an air/sea/space ship has only one commander, who commands the Shuttle-Mir complex?
The joint Shuttle/Mir missions are wonderful examples of international cooperation, as well as the cooperative efforts of two highly skilled and experienced space operations teams. Over the years, we have developed a trust in each other’s methods and judgment that allow us to work together comfortably. All decisions on operations are made after consultation between both sides, and we have yet to come to a situation where we could not come to a mutual agreement on the proper course of action to take in every circumstance. While the rules clearly dictate that each side is responsible for their own vehicle (much as the captains of two ships traveling close together retain their individual authority), the joint missions are carried out with mutual consent and coordination between all parties.
