FR 2021-02940

The document under consideration is a notice from the Federal Register concerning changes in the membership of the Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations (CONFERS). This group made its updates known to U.S. authorities as part of its ongoing compliance with regulations aimed at managing cooperation among businesses to avoid potential antitrust issues.

General Summary

CONFERS is a consortium that facilitates cooperation in space operations related to rendezvous and servicing missions. The recent updates, filed with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission, indicate the inclusion of several new members: ClearSpace SA from Switzerland and several U.S.-based companies such as COMSPOC Corporation and L3Harris Technologies, Inc., among others. At the same time, the consortium announced the withdrawal of Effective Space based in the United Kingdom. These changes are part of CONFERS’s ongoing transparency efforts, as they align with provisions of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act, which seeks to limit the financial liabilities that parties may face in certain antitrust claims.

Significant Issues or Concerns

While the notice serves its primary purpose of informing the public about these organizational changes, it raises a few concerns regarding transparency and comprehensibility:

• Lack of Explanation: The document does not furnish reasons for why these particular organizations were added or why Effective Space decided to withdraw. This omission could lead to questions about what criteria or considerations influence membership changes.

• Complex Legal Language: The notice is written using legal jargon and references specific sections of U.S. laws, which may be challenging for the general public to digest without additional context or explanation.

• Impact on Activities Unclear: There is no mention of how these changes in membership will affect the consortium's objectives or operations, which may be pertinent information for stakeholders and the interested public.

Public Impact

For the general public, this notice primarily represents compliance with legal notification requirements rather than having direct implications for everyday life. However, given the consortium's involvement in space operations, which have broader implications for technological advancement and international cooperation, transparency in its operations is of potential public interest.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved, such as the companies joining or leaving the consortium, these updates carry significant weight. New members may bring fresh expertise and resources, enhancing the consortium's capabilities. Conversely, the reasons for Effective Space's withdrawal might influence perceptions of the consortium's internal dynamics or strategic direction. Additionally, other businesses or organizations interested in joining may seek clearer criteria for membership, which are not detailed in the notice.

Ultimately, while the notice satisfies its legal purpose, there remains a need for improved clarity and detail to benefit wider audiences, including stakeholders invested in the future of commercial space activities.