Flown Space Processing Applications Rocket (SPAR) IX Abbreviated Measurement Module (AMM) carried on SPAR IX on January 20, 1981, mounted along with associated amplifiers, pressure transducer, and accelerometer, to a circular 15.75″ metal base. The module bears a blue NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center tag, "Abbreviated Measurement Module, Assy No. 95M18700-1, Serial No. 002, Mfd By ET38," and a "Critical Space Item, Handle With Care" label. A section of the metal housing has been removed (but included with the lot) and part of the housing is bent: there was a malfunction on recovery and the impact destroyed this assembly.
According to NASA Technical Memorandum 8549, the SPAR IX (R-17) science payload consisted of four materials experiments, the Experiment Support Module (ESM), and the Abbreviated Measurement Module (AMM). The SPAR IX Nike-Black Brant VC rocket lifted off the launch pad at WSMR on January 20, 1981. The launch was successful and the payload was recovered intact. Payload power was applied to all experiments as planned, and all experiments operated within the predicted near zero gravity. The report concluded that on SPAR IX "much useful data and information were accumulated for directing and developing experimental techniques and investigations toward and expanding, beneficial program of materials processing in the Shuttle era."
