Payload Assist Module

From Spacefaring

Q1424161




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

WikimediaWikidata
PAM; SSUS; Spinning Solid Upper Stage
apogee kick motorspace tugMcDonnell Douglas, United States
United Statesapogee kick motorDong Fang Hong 2PAM-D2PAM-DPAM-Sspace tug

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Location: KML, Cluster Map, Maps,

  • 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
    TypeSubtypeDateDescriptionNotesSource
    classrocket enginePAM-DPayload Assist ModuleWikidata
    classrocket enginePAM-D2Payload Assist ModuleWikidata
    classrocket enginePAM-SPayload Assist ModuleWikidata