I missed the 2004 CSXT launch but told Ky and Bruce at a 2007 BALLS event we
should do a 25th-anniversary launch if we're all still alive. In 2013 I was
informed there was going to be a 10th-anniversary launch using a CTI motor that
was earmarked for a NASA launch by UP Aerospace but was out of warranty so NASA
declined to use it. I helped build the new launchpad for the Black Rock launch
the following year. The motor worked fine. As Anthony mentioned, it spent all
that time stored in New Mexico. I've occasionally used some of my old (20 years
or so) Aerotech and CTI apcp grains for student projects since I use my own
propellants for my projects and never had a problem and they are not stored in
any climate controlled bunkers at FAR.
My dad worked at General Dynamics on the Terrier, Standard missile, and Red Eye
and told me the military generally used 'older' stuff for training and kept the
new stuff in inventory, rotating as new ones were produced, makes sense to me.
Rick
From: J P <james.padfield@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:34:33 +0100
Subject: [AR] Re: Homemade Astronauts on Tv
Hi Anthony,
This was a composite HTPB/AP propellant? Can you tell me any details
(however vague) on the formulation? I ask because I work with cast-cure
PBX explosives, which of course generally have very similar compositions to
cast composite rocket propellants, and I am forever being asked ( by
customers, by our salesmen and programme managers) about upper and lower
storage temps, storage lives, etc. etc.! And any evidence, even anecdotal,
is always interesting (to me at least!).
Thanks,
James
On Sun, 28 Nov 2021 at 01:06, Anthony Cesaroni <anthony@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Bill
They conducted their 10th anniversary flight with a surplus 100K Lb./sec.
booster we had built. I was not involved with the launch. The motor had
been in non-climate controlled storage in NM for 8 years so it had be
cycled from below freezing to over 100 F all that time. It was a good way
to confirm the published storage and age limits of the system. The booster
was paid for anyway and had all the required approvals but most
importantly, the crew were well qualified on the system and operations. It
went to space without a glitch.
Best.
Anthony J. Cesaroni