Method and apparatus for providing two axis motion with a single drive device

The present invention relates generally to a positioning platform mechanism for a spacecraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a two-axis positioning mechanism for a spacecraft that utilizes a single motor. There is disclosed a two-axis positioning mechanism including a single motor to control the position of two orthogonal axes. The motor is in communication with a first drive system to control the position of one axis and a second drive system to control the position of the other of the two axes. Also provided is a mechanically redundant positioning mechanism in which either of two motors may perform the two-axis positioning function.