Abstract: Embodiments provide experiment platforms comprising hardware, software, and user-specified data structures for user-conducted orbital experiments-by-proxy that focus on microgravity as a variable. The experiment is repeated in normal gravity as a control, on a similar platform that may or may not have been constructed and/or programmed by the user. Differences in experimental results performed by similar platforms are thus attributed to the influence of gravity on observed phenomena. Experiments are specified by user-defined data structures which govern the operation of control programs typically previously installed on orbital and ground hardware. Experimentation by proxy and parameter specification allows earthbound students to participate in space-based research at various levels of involvement and at sharply reduced cost, encouraging interest in science and technology in education and future work.

Abstract: Embodiments provide experiment platforms comprising hardware, software, and user-specified data structures for user-conducted orbital experiments-by-proxy that focus on microgravity as a variable. The experiment is repeated in normal gravity as a control, on a similar platform that may or may not have been constructed and/or programmed by the user. Differences in experimental results performed by similar platforms are thus attributed to the influence of gravity on observed phenomena. Experiments are specified by user-defined data structures which govern the operation of control programs typically previously installed on orbital and ground hardware. Experimentation by proxy and parameter specification allows earthbound students to participate in space-based research at various levels of involvement and at sharply reduced cost, encouraging interest in science and technology in education and future work.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.