Summary:
We are developing a low-cost, 3D-printed star tracker that enables long exposure astrophotography by precisely following the motion of stars. This project aims to make astrophotography more accessible to hobbyists and amateur astronomers by significantly reducing the cost of entry.
Intro/Background:
Astrophotography is a rapidly growing hobby that requires highly stable and accurate equipment to capture clear images of the night sky. One key tool in this field is a star tracker, a motorized device that counteracts the Earth’s rotation by rotating a camera at the same rate, allowing for long exposure shots without star trails. Without trackers, short exposure images (10-20 seconds) can be “stacked” in an image post processor to yield high detailed shots. However, image stacking is a tedious and time-consuming process. Star trackers allow for highly detailed, long exposure (3+ minutes), deep space photography taken by a hobbyist user, without extraneous image processing. Current commercially available star trackers are often expensive and not easily customizable, putting them out of reach for many enthusiasts.
Current star tracking systems rely on precision-machined components and complex mechanical assemblies that contribute to their high price points. There are some DIY star trackers that exist, however they are limited in functionality, robustness, and ease of use. There is a growing interest in using modern manufacturing techniques, like 3D printing, to allow hobbyist access to precision scientific tools. We aim to fill this gap by using multiple additive manufacturing techniques to design and build a functional, affordable, and customizable star tracker.
Impact:
If successful, our project could lower the barrier to entry for amateur astrophotographers, students, and hobbyists interested in space photography. By providing open-source documentation and a modular design made with accessible materials, we hope to empower more people to participate in astrophotography and engage with STEM fields.
Within the field of additive manufacturing, this project demonstrates the utility of combining different 3D printing technologies—such as FDM, SLA, and possibly SLS—to create functional, precise, and aesthetically pleasing parts for real-world applications. Additionally, the utility of integrating 3D printed parts with hobbyist electronics such as micro-controllers and stepper motors. This project would showcase the potential of 3D printing to create not only prototypes but also durable tools for science and photography. The approach also highlights how interdisciplinary design—bridging engineering, astronomy, and education—can lead to impactful, community-driven innovation.
Methods/Approach:
To build our star tracker, we will combine mechanical design, electronics integration, and additive manufacturing. Our methodology includes the use of FDM printing for structural parts, SLA printing for components requiring higher precision (e.g., gear teeth or optical housings), and potentially SLS printing for load-bearing or wear-resistant elements.
Our engineering approach includes designing a motorized equatorial mount driven by a microcontroller (such as an Arduino) and stepper motors, programmed to rotate at the sidereal rate. We’ll use CAD software for mechanical design and simulate stress and motion where necessary. This modular approach allows for easy customization and scalability based on user needs, such as custom camera mounts or polar alignment fixtures.
What’s new about our approach is the integration of multiple 3D printing methods to optimize part function and print efficiency while maintaining low cost. Traditional star trackers are often metal-based and assembled with expensive hardware. Existing DIY star trackers utilize conventional manufacturing methods, or strictly FDM 3D printing. Our design will contrast the existing models by leveraging the advantages of each manufacturing method to produce the highest quality, yet low cost, prototype.
Potential risks include print tolerances affecting precision, inadequate structural rigidity from printed parts, and challenges with accurate motor calibration. To mitigate these, we will test and iterate early prototypes, explore composite filaments for strength, and implement software-based corrections for motor alignment.
Future plan:
If our prototype meets performance goals, we plan to refine the design for field testing and possibly develop a simple guide for use. We would like to explore integrating GPS or smartphone-based star mapping features to make the device even more user-friendly. This could allow the device to automatically track to specific constellations in the sky based on known positions, eliminating the need for the user to have to find and manually set-up the star tracker.