This page no longer updated from 31 October 2001. Latest version can be found at www.astronautix.com
astronautix.com Castor 4BXL
Manufacturer Name: TX-859. Other Designations: Castor 4B. Designer: Thiokol. Gross Mass: 11,482 kg. Empty Mass: 1,513 kg. Propellants: Solid Thrust(vac): 43,746 kgf. Thrust(vac): 429.00 kN. Isp: 267 sec. Burn time: 61 sec. Diameter: 1.0 m. Length: 9.0 m. Chambers: 1. Chamber Pressure: 50.60 bar. Area Ratio: 8.55. Country: USA. Status: In Production.

CTA's ORBEX used the Castor 4BXL version, which combined the 4XL motor with 4B's TVC system (6 degree).. First Flown: May 8, 1991. Flown: 2 to end of 1993 (100% success). Propellant Type: Tp-H8229 HTPB Polymer, with 20% Al. Propellant Shape: radially slotted center perforate. Propellant Mass Fraction: 0.868 (9969 kg). Itotal: 26,141 kNs vacuum at 25 Celsius. Pressure: 50.6 atm maximum and an average of 30.7 atm. Nozzle Throat Diameter: 30.84 cm. Nozzle Length: varies - SL, with altitude and canted available. Nozzle Exit Diameter: 90.2 cm. Nozzle Materials: 4130 steel. Casing Materials: 4130 steel.

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Last update 12 March 2001.
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