> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.astralbeam.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.astralbeam.io/using-astralbeam/faq.md). # FAQ Common questions about using AstralBeam. *** ## General Questions ### What is AstralBeam? AstralBeam is a cross-chain bridge connecting Casper Network with EVM-compatible blockchains (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum). It enables users to transfer tokens between these networks securely. ### How does the bridge work? The bridge uses a lock-and-mint mechanism: 1. **Lock** tokens on the source chain 2. **Relayers** monitor the event and sign attestations 3. **Mint** equivalent tokens on the destination chain For return trips, it's burn-and-unlock: 1. **Burn** wrapped tokens on the destination chain 2. **Relayers** monitor and sign 3. **Unlock** original tokens on the source chain ### Is the bridge decentralized? AstralBeam uses a federated model with 5 independent relayers operated by different entities. A 3-of-5 multi-signature threshold ensures no single relayer can act alone. This provides security while maintaining operational efficiency. ### What tokens can I bridge? Currently supported tokens include: * **Sepolia**: USDC, WETH, LINK * **Base Sepolia**: USDC, WETH * **Casper**: Native CSPR, bridged tokens See [Supported Tokens](/using-astralbeam/supported-tokens.md) for the full list with addresses. *** ## Using the Bridge ### How long does bridging take? | Direction | Typical Time | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- | | EVM → Casper | \~13 minutes on Ethereum, much faster on L2 networks | | Casper → EVM | \~30-60 seconds | The time depends on block finality requirements: * EVM chains: 64 block confirmations for Ethereum (with 12 second blocks). Faster on L2 EVM chains such as Base, Polygon, Arbitrum. * Casper: instant finality with 8 second blocks ### What fees do I pay? You pay two types of fees: 1. **Gas fees** - Transaction costs on source and destination chains 2. **Bridge fee** - Small fixed fee for bridge operation (the minting of your tokens on the destination chain) Current bridge fees: * EVM to Casper: 0.0001 ETH * Casper to EVM: 50 CSPR ### Why is Casper → EVM faster? Casper uses instant finality with 8 second blocks, making it much faster than probabilistic finality on EVM chains. ### Can I cancel a bridge transaction? No, once you've locked tokens, the transaction cannot be canceled. The tokens will either be minted on the destination chain (success) or remain locked until the bridge completes (pending). ### What happens if my transaction fails? Bridge transactions are designed to be atomic: * If the source chain lock fails, no tokens are transferred * If destination minting fails, the relayers will retry * If repeated destination execution still fails, operators follow the recovery runbook: inspect relayer logs, verify token mappings/liquidity/recipient constraints, pause the affected flow if needed, and recover through the admin multisig using the documented admin functions *** ## Wallets & Accounts ### Which wallets are supported? **EVM Chains:** * MetaMask * WalletConnect-compatible wallets * Ledger (via MetaMask) **Casper:** * Casper Wallet (browser extension or mobile app) * Ledger (via Casper Wallet or CSPR.click) * MetaMask (via CSPR.click) * WalletConnect (via CSPR.click) ### How do I get testnet tokens? **SepoliaETH:** * [sepoliafaucet.com](https://sepoliafaucet.com) * [Alchemy Sepolia Faucet](https://sepoliafaucet.com) **Testnet CSPR:** * [testnet.cspr.live/faucet](https://testnet.cspr.live/faucet) **Test USDC/WETH:** * See [Getting Testnet Tokens](/using-astralbeam/getting-testnet-tokens.md) ### Why can't I see my bridged tokens? Bridged tokens may need to be manually added to your wallet: **MetaMask:** 1. Click "Import Token" 2. Enter the wrapped token contract address 3. Confirm token details **Casper Wallet:** * Bridged CEP-18 tokens should appear automatically * If not, check the token contract hash in your account on cspr.live *** ## Technical Questions ### What is MPT verification? Merkle Patricia Trie (MPT) verification is how AstralBeam cryptographically proves that events occurred on the source chain. The bridge stores block headers (including receipts roots) on Casper, allowing verification of EVM transaction receipts without trusting a third party. ### What is 3-of-5 multi-sig? The bridge requires 3 out of 5 independent relayers to sign attestations before tokens can be minted or unlocked. This prevents any single relayer from maliciously creating tokens and provides Byzantine fault tolerance. ### How are relayers selected? Relayers are operated by trusted entities in the Casper ecosystem. They must: * Run reliable infrastructure * Maintain high uptime * Follow operational best practices * Participate in governance ### Can I run my own relayer? Currently, relayers are permissioned and operated by vetted entities. Future governance may introduce mechanisms for adding new relayers. ### Is the bridge audited? The bridge contracts have undergone security review. See [Security Model](/security/security.md) for details on security measures and audit reports. *** ## Troubleshooting ### My transaction is stuck on "Pending" 1. **Check finality** - Ensure enough blocks have passed 2. **Check transaction** - Verify the source chain transaction succeeded 3. **Check relayers** - View relayer status at the API health endpoint 4. **Wait** - Most "stuck" transactions complete within the expected timeframe If still pending after 24 hours, contact support. ### "Insufficient funds" error This means you don't have enough: * **ETH** for gas + bridge fee on EVM chains * **CSPR** for gas + bridge fee on Casper Solution: Acquire more native currency from faucets (testnet) or exchanges (mainnet). ### "Approval failed" error Before locking tokens, you must approve the bridge contract to spend them: 1. Click "Approve" in the bridge interface 2. Confirm the approval transaction in your wallet 3. Wait for approval to confirm 4. Then proceed with locking ### My wrapped tokens have different decimals Bridged tokens maintain the same decimal precision as the original token. If you bridge 100 USDC (6 decimals), you'll receive 100 bUSDC (6 decimals) on Casper. ### Transaction shows "Failed" but tokens are gone 1. Check the source chain explorer - was the transaction actually successful? 2. Check your wallet balance - tokens might have returned 3. Contact support with transaction hash *** ## Security ### Is the bridge safe to use? AstralBeam implements multiple security measures: * Multi-signature attestation (3-of-5) * Cryptographic proof verification (MPT) * Finality protection (waiting for block confirmations) * Replay protection (nonces and event keys) * Pausable contracts (emergency shutdown) However, like all bridges, there is inherent risk. Only bridge amounts you're comfortable with. ### What if a relayer is compromised? With 3-of-5 multi-sig, a single compromised relayer cannot: * Mint unauthorized tokens * Unlock tokens without valid burns * Modify bridge state Multiple relayers would need to be compromised simultaneously. ### What if the bridge contracts are paused? Contracts can be paused in emergencies. During a pause: * New lock/burn operations are rejected * Pending operations may still complete * Your locked tokens remain safe * Operations resume when unpaused ### Can my tokens be stolen? Tokens are protected by: * Smart contract security (audited code) * Multi-sig requirements (no single point of failure) * Cryptographic proofs (mathematical verification) The main risks are smart contract bugs or coordinated relayer compromise, both of which are mitigated through audits and decentralization. *** ## Support ### How do I get help? 1. **Documentation** - Check this GitBook first 2. **GitHub Issues** - Report bugs or feature requests 3. **Telegram** - Community channel: [t.me/astralbeam\_io](https://t.me/astralbeam_io) 4. **Email** - For urgent issues: ### How do I report a bug? 1. Gather information: * Transaction hash * Wallet addresses * Error messages * Screenshots 2. Open a GitHub issue or contact support ### How do I suggest a feature? Open a GitHub issue with the "enhancement" label, or discuss in the community Telegram ([t.me/astralbeam\_io](https://t.me/astralbeam_io)). *** ## Related Pages * [Troubleshooting Guide](/using-astralbeam/troubleshooting.md) * [Glossary](/reference/glossary.md) * [Supported Networks](/using-astralbeam/supported-networks.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.astralbeam.io/using-astralbeam/faq.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.