A positioning system for positioning an object is disclosed. The positioning system includes a stage, a balancing mass and an actuator system. The stage is for holding the object. The actuator system is arranged to drive the stage in a first direction while driving the balance mass in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The stage is movable in the first direction within the movement range. When the stage is moving in the first direction and is at the end of the range of movement, the positioning system is arranged to impinge the stage face to face against the balance mass.