Re: Lift off on fusion rockets

> I see no reason why fusion rockets would fail to operate in an
> atmosphere.  The ejection velocity is far greater than sonic
> velocities, thus the exhaust will not impinge on the ship itself
> unless something reflects it.

  I was thinking that there might be problems in getting the thing to
ignite in the first place if the ignition chamber or whatever isn't in a
vacuum. You could rig some contraption that 'opens the door' after
ignition trusting to the pressure to keep the air out, but there is
a risk of 'disposable doors' here if the ignition/opening isn't handled
exactly correctly. And if they are gone your engine won't start.

> We DO have an extensive anti-aircraft network,
> but not many people ever really see NORAD.

  Isn't NORAD primarily a detection network?

> Scott 2G Kellogg

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