The Alpha Centauri Space Research Council was a branch of Federation Starfleet. The Research Council was responsible for exploration (like UESPA), research and logistical support. It maintained its own fleet of starships. Its chief, Admiral Alexis Osman, was one of the five chiefs of staff of the nascent Starfleet. The insignia was a vertical rectangle. (ENT - Rise of the Federation novel: A Choice of Futures)