LEGO Builder Akiyuki has combined two of the most beloved nerd pastimes into one beautiful feat of engineering: a hypnotically efficient model of planetary orbits that uses heavenly bodies from the Star Wars universe. Brought to our attention by Laughing Squid, this machine, dubbed LEGO GBC Module: Planets, is what’s known as a “great ball contraption,” or GBC, a build that receives LEGO-sized soccer balls and basketballs on one end and transports them to its opposite end in order to transfer them into another module. Such contraptions are often entered in GBC contests, like the one coming up this month in Massachusetts.

For this particular build, Akiyuki chose to model spacecraft orbiting planets, using the balls as the satellites flying in perfect sync around well-known Star Wars worlds. It looks like Akiyuki has chosen to send his LEGO spacecraft stand-ins to do a flyby past Tatooine, Kamino, and Bespin. The build didn’t necessarily need to include such visually striking atmospheres and landscapes as those seen in this GBC, but it certainly lends a beautiful color palette that accompanies the elegant engineering. Plus, it’s just a classy touch.

As described on Akiyuki’s website, the module, which took about six months to build, used LEGO antenna parts to pass the balls from one planetary system to the next, and five continuously rotating motors each tilted on a precise axis, all driven by one PF-L motor. This GBC module’s structure is comprised of two divided blocks and was designed with the ability to fine-tune each of the rotating motors. It’s a beautiful build and a great example of functional, minimalist style.

Check out some more images of Akiyuki’s build in our gallery below to get the full picture of how this GBC really works. And if you are into any LEGO builds yourself, be sure to let us know in the comments!

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Images: Akiyuki.jp