Payload Assist Module

SBS-3 PAM-D-stage is of the Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-5 exposed

PAM-D level during assembly

The Payload Assist Module ( PAM ) is a solid propellant , modular upper stage that was used with both the Space Shuttle and the Delta and Titan rockets to move satellites from low orbit to geostationary transfer orbit or interplanetary orbit . The PAM stage is stabilized by rotation ( spin stabilization ).

Designed for use on the space shuttle, different versions of the kick stage were planned, which by an additional letter named the launcher whose payload capacity it was to achieve from on board the space shuttle:

• PAM-A ( Atlas class), development completed, never used
• PAM-D ( Delta Class), uses a Star-48B rocket engine
• PAM-D2 ( Delta II class ), uses a Star-63 rocket motor
• PAM-S (Special) as a kick motor for the Ulysses space probe

PAM-D was used as the third stage of Delta-II until 2009.

Web links

• The upper levels of the space shuttle

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Space Shuttles Upper Grades. bernd-leitenberger.de, accessed on April 25, 2014 .