For Researchers — from skills to the microgravity RPM 🛰️🌱¶
This track trains you to design, run, and analyse real astrobotany experiments in simulated microgravity on the CoSE SciSpinner Max Random Positioning Machine (RPM). Each stage builds a skill; together they get you RPM-ready.
The destination: the CoSE SciSpinner Max RPM
The SciSpinner Max is a 3D clinostat / random positioning machine. By continuously re-orienting a sample on two axes, the net gravity vector time-averages toward zero, so a growing seedling experiences simulated microgravity without leaving the bench. It has a built-in 8 MP camera for scheduled time-lapse and runs the CoSE software (Motion → clinostat, set the rotation rate), producing images ready for automated root analysis in RootNav 2 / CyVerse. Researchers access it via the CoSE Researchers page (spec sheet + pre-order).
The researcher storyboard¶
A pathway from first principles to a publishable microgravity experiment:
| Step | You'll learn / do | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Image like a scientist | Calibrated, repeatable photography with the AstroCalibration marker | Stage I |
| 2. Understand the biology | Gravitropism, auxin transport and the root auxin maximum | Stage IV · Virtual Root simulator |
| 3. Quantify roots | Root system architecture & gravitropic angle from images | Root System Architecture with PlantCV |
| 4. Design the experiment | Controls, replication, and a testable microgravity hypothesis | see checklist below |
| 5. Run it on the RPM | Simulated microgravity on the CoSE SciSpinner Max, with time-lapse | Stage VI: Micro-Gravi-tropism Assays |
| 6. Analyse & share | Automated root analysis (RootNav 2 / CyVerse), FAIR data | Stage VI |
| 7. Model & interpret | Explain your results with auxin-transport & root models | Stage VII · VIII–XI |
Are you RPM-ready? A pre-flight checklist¶
Before booking SciSpinner Max time, make sure you can:
- Take calibrated, repeatable images with the AstroCalibration marker (Stage I).
- Germinate and mount seedlings on agar plates suited to the clinostat (Stage VI).
- State a clear hypothesis and define your 1g ground control (the same setup, not rotating).
- Plan replication (multiple plates/seedlings) and the rotation rate you'll test.
- Measure root angle / length from images (RSA with PlantCV or RootNav 2 / CyVerse).
- Have a FAIR data plan (methods logged, open formats, a place to share).
Designing a good microgravity experiment
The RPM removes a directional gravity cue — so always run a paired 1 g control on the same schedule, change one variable (e.g. rotation rate, species, light), and predict the outcome first. The Virtual Root simulator lets you rehearse the hypothesis — remove the gravity bias and watch the auxin asymmetry disappear before you test it on real seedlings.
Run it: the SciSpinner Max protocol¶
The full step-by-step protocol — booting the machine, the CoSE software Motion/clinostat settings, the RPM rate, time-lapse imaging, controls, and RootNav 2 / CyVerse analysis — is in Stage VI: Micro-Gravi-tropism Assays.
The stages¶
Advanced — some third-party tools may be offline
These stages target advanced and research audiences and rely on specialist software, some hosted by other labs and occasionally offline. The science and methods still stand. Teaching K–12? Start with the Classroom Track (Stages I–IV) and the For Teachers guide.