A method and apparatus for smart spherical cluster vessels is described. In one example, a cargo ball assembly includes a plurality of cargo balls attached together to form a cluster, the cargo balls having a spherical exterior surface, a rocket engine cargo ball of the cluster having a plurality of thrusters exposed to an exterior position of the cluster to propel the cluster, and a thruster system to control the rocket engine to guide the cluster.

Systems and methods for two-axis pointing of payloads are provided. A two-axis pointing system includes a pedestal, a support plate mounted to the pedestal by a connection which allows movement of the support plate in at least two rotational degrees of freedom, a payload mounted to the support plate, a first rotary actuator physically connected to the support plate and operable to move the support plate along a first of the rotational degrees of freedom, a second rotary actuator physically connected to the support plate and operable to move the support plate along a second of the rotational degrees of freedom, a baseplate, wherein the pedestal, the first rotary actuator, and the second rotary actuator are fixed to the baseplate, a plurality of harnesses for supplying at least one of power and telemetry for actuation of the system, and a thermal control system integrated with the support plate.