I've published a new research note on rule-switching cellular automata.π
Instead of repeatedly applying a single fixed rule, I experimented with switching among multiple rules over time. In particular, I implemented non-alternating periodic rule sequences and rule-switching systems in which different rules can have different numbers of states. Based on my review of prior research and existing implementations, to the best of my knowledge, these are the first implementations of these approaches.
These experiments produced a surprisingly rich variety of interesting behavior, including many oblique spaceships. I found examples moving in the (6,1), (4,3), (5,4), and (5,3) directions. For the latter three, within the scope of my search, I found no previously reported examples in outer-totalistic cellular automata with a range-1 Moore neighborhood.
I also developed the idea of treating the rule sequence itself as a "program" for controlling spaceship motion, and demonstrated concrete examples. By changing the order in which the rules are applied, the same system can produce different movements and trajectories.
This may be of interest to some of you.