Hi Robin At least we are not arguing over what is the meaning of "is" ...
> Most of the fuel mass carried aloft is O2, so any improvement in the energy derived from it would be valuable. However doing so implies adding energy to the O2 molecules. If this is done on the ground, then you are taking extra energy along with you. If you have to do this while in flight, then the extra energy has to come from somewhere else. Where? The O2 is first used to cool the rocket motor before entering the reactor. This helps keep the motor from melting from the intense heat. In so doing lots of heat and pressure are added. The change in structure to di-ozone (if there is such a thing) at that point, and before combustion, may be endothermic, and the required UV radiation would be more catalytic than parasitic. Still you would need lots of electricity. Who knows - an induction coil placed around the motor to extract some of the moving plasma charge ?? Hey if NASA wants to give me a consulting contract, I'll work on it ....<g>
