Payload Assist Module
From Spacefaring
The Payload Assist Module (PAM) is a modular upper stage designed and built by McDonnell Douglas (Boeing), using Thiokol Star-series solid propellant rocket motors. The PAM was used with the Space Shuttle, Delta, and Titan launchers and carried satellites from low Earth orbit to a geostationary transfer orbit or an interplanetary course. The payload was spin stabilized by being mounted on a rotating plate. Originally developed for the Space Shuttle, different versions of the PAM were developed:
- PAM-A, development terminated; originally to be used on both the Atlas and Space Shuttle, designed for satellites up to 4,400 lb (2,000 kg)
- PAM-D, uses a Star-48B rocket motor, designed for satellites up to 2,750 lb (1,250 kg)
- PAM-DII, uses a Star-63 rocket motor, designed for satellites up to 4,150 lb (1,880 kg)
- PAM-S (Special), uses a Star-48B as a kick motor for the space probe Ulysses
Wikimedia, Wikidata
PAM; SSUS; Spinning Solid Upper Stage
Persia, space tug, PAM-S, PAM-D, Ekran, Dong Fang Hong 2, Tarshish, Sweden, Sikh Confederacy, United States, Kingdom of Wolaita, Kingdom of Martabam-hongsawatoi, Havilah, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chinland, Calvinist Republic of Ghent, Ashkenaz,
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Location: KML, Cluster Map, Maps,
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PAM-D ⓘ
booster stage used by some satellites launched by Delta rockets and the Space Shuttle -
PAM-D2 ⓘ
booster stage used by some satellites launched by the Space Shuttle and Titan 3 rockets -
PAM-S ⓘ
special booster stage used by the Ulysses spacecraft