Build skills. Explore ideas. Make things work.
The Sacramento L5 Society Space Engineering Lab is now in operation. Participants can use AI, simulations, shared knowledge, and practical projects to turn ideas into working artifacts. Perco—the Personal Commons—and its growing “bog” of notes, tools, and examples help people learn, experiment, and build together, wherever they are. Our focus is space engineering, but engineering anything is good.
We will also expand the Space Engineering Lab itself, adding working interfaces to tools such as Blender for 3D visualization, FreeCAD for engineering design, OpenModelica for system simulation, Orekit for orbital mechanics, Kerbal Space Program for interactive spaceflight experiments, and Arduino for experimental hardware. Participants can help connect additional tools and develop new capabilities as their projects grow. Other design and fabrication tools extend the possibilities further—for example, leather CAD services for designing wallets, accessories, and customized protective coverings. Python is our primary programming language, with its extensive libraries supporting custom physics simulations, engineering calculations, and visualizations.
Contact Ed Kulis at [email protected] to onboard.
Getting Started – Build Something.
Start Building with ChatGPT and Codex—Even Before Space Lab
Arrive at Space Lab with a workstation that can turn an idea into a working artifact. You do not need to wait for a meeting
The Three Laws of Applied Wonder
“When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it.” — Lord Kelvin, Electrical Units of
You Don’t Have to Be an Engineer to Engineer Something
In Perco, We Are All Engineers You don’t need to be an engineer to engineer something. In Perco, engineering means wanting something to exist or
The Perco Skills Ladder: Contribute at Every Level
You can contribute useful work to Space Lab at every level. You do not have to master the next level to make a difference at
The Workshop
Small Files, Working Simulations: What You Can Build with Perco
The examples in this video were generated by Python from small program files. Run them on your own computer to explore interactive screen displays where you can adjust parameters, replay simulations, and examine how the results change. The collection also includes artwork and animated mathematical proofs.
Greet Your Day with AI
AI shouldn’t be something exotic or scary, reserved for special occasions. It can become an ordinary part of everyday life, helping us explore ideas, solve problems, learn new things, and turn our imagination into useful capabilities. Whether you’re designing a spacecraft, planning a project, or just wondering how something works, AI can help you get started. Make AI as much a part of your day as breakfast.
Concern Is Future Capability
When someone presents a new idea, it is almost inevitable that someone else will identify a problem. What if it fails? What if it damages
Have No Argument Without an Artifact
The young fellow in the picture has come prepared. Mom may remain unconvinced about the triple-scoop ice cream cone, but at least she can see
Listen to Me Now and Believe Me Later
Listen… When you hear an idea about AI that sounds upside down, backward, impractical, or just plain strange, resist the temptation to correct it before
Capability Before Conversation
“Here. Try this.” Those three words can change a conversation. An idea has become something we can explore together. We can adjust it, ask questions