The PAMS STU satellite, also known as PAMS, was launched on May 19, 1996, from Launch Pad LC39B at the Kennedy Space Center (AFETR) using a Space Shuttle as its launch vehicle. It reached a stable orbit three days later on May 22, 1996. The satellite is owned and operated by GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center), with its primary mission focused on technology demonstration. PAMS STU has a hexagonal prism configuration and cylindrical shape, measuring 0.5 meters in length and diameter of 0.3 meters, with the same span width. It weighs 49 kilograms both at launch and as dry mass and is powered by batteries. The satellite's equipment includes a laser reflector, and it was manufactured by GSFC for technology purposes. Its radar cross-section (RCS) is 27.5801 square meters.