FR 2021-02945

The document from the Federal Register is a notice related to the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), a group operating under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice informs the public about the changes in membership of SpEC that were officially registered with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. New members have been added, such as 202 Group, LLC, and Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc., while others, including Alliance Technology Group, have withdrawn from the consortium.

Summary of the Document

The core purpose of the document is to disclose changes in the membership of SpEC, a cooperative venture involved in research and production within the space industry. These changes are significant because they limit the liability of consortium members in terms of antitrust claims, allowing them to focus on collaborative innovation while only requiring payment of actual damages under certain circumstances. This procedural compliance helps ensure transparency and accountability under the Act.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable issue is the complexity of legal references, such as "15 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.," which might be unclear to a layperson unfamiliar with how the U.S. Code is formatted and cited. Simplifying or explaining these references within the document could improve understanding for a broader audience. Additionally, detailed lists of companies joining or leaving the consortium may seem verbose and potentially overwhelming for some readers. Summarizing this information might make the document more accessible.

Furthermore, the document is steeped in formal legal language that could pose comprehension challenges to those not versed in legal terminology. Providing additional context or simplifying the language could enhance clarity.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the direct impact of this document may be minimal, as it primarily involves internal administrative changes to a research group. However, the implications of SpEC's work potentially affect the broader industry of space exploration, as consortiums like this one can influence new technological developments and industry standards.

Impact on Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, particularly the added and departing companies, could experience direct impacts. New members joining the consortium stand to benefit from collaborative opportunities, enhanced industry reputation, and legal protections offered under the Act. Conversely, companies leaving the consortium might miss out on these benefits but also gain operational independence from collective activities, which might better align with their strategic objectives.

Overall, documents like this serve to maintain a transparent record of adjustments within influential industry groups, contributing indirectly to the innovation landscape that affects both private and public sector advancements in the space industry.