A 3D printed orrery uses an ESP32 simulation and a single stepper motor to animate planets, the Sun, and the Moon in motion.
Turning the solar system into something you can watch in motion is no small feat, and this 3D printed orrery makes it look surprisingly elegant.
Designed as a tabletop display. the build represents planets. the Sun. and the Moon. all arranged so their relative movement can be seen at a glance.. At the center of the project is an ESP32 running an astronomical simulation. calculating what each object’s position should be before the hardware brings it to life.
A small stepper motor. controlled through a TMC2209 driver. performs the core motion by rotating the mechanism back and forth until each component reaches its calculated spot.. To make sure the system always starts from a known reference. the design uses a reed switch and magnet to detect a “zero” position.
What really stands out is the mechanical trick that allows everything to run on a single motor.. Through interlocking ring geometry. the mechanism engages differently depending on the direction of rotation. effectively routing motion to the right moving parts rather than requiring separate motors for each section.. The Moon, in particular, is handled with a separate geared linkage connected to the main rotation.
That direction-sensitive interlock isn’t just a convenience for the builder. It’s a practical example of how clever mechanics can reduce complexity, which can make prototypes easier to calibrate and maintain while still delivering multi-part motion.
Beyond its engineering charm, the finished orrery doubles as a conversation piece. It offers a visual way to grasp how orbital movement relates to timing and relative position, especially for anyone who likes astronomy but prefers a hands-on model over a static chart.
In a world where more tech is hidden behind screens, a physical device like this brings computation out into the open. It shows how simulation and embedded control can translate into something you can see, touch, and explain in real time.