• An energy source is at the flying platform (in this case, it is necessary to provide the platform with sufficient fuel). • An energy source is off the platform (eg. ground-based source). This version has environmental problems due to fuel wastage in ozone restoration (for chemical energy source). The second version could, for example, be based on the usual cells or on ground-based sources of high-power radiation (microwave or laser radiation). One of the most suitable schemes includes the application of a ground-based, high power laser as a source of energy for the remote production of ozone in the atmosphere. It is possible to produce ozone by the direct interaction between laser radiation and atmospheric oxygen. This process allows us to have the simplest on-board equipment. However, interaction of laser radiation with complex gas mixtures in the upper layers of the atmosphere should be investigated in detail (absorption, ionization, production of complex molecules, loss by UV emission, etc.). This method would probably prove to be competitive due to its absence of energy converters and other on-board, electrical high-power facilities. The system, which is based on the conversion of laser radiation to electricity and ozone production by electricity, is clearer and more highly developed. The most effective equipment produces ozone at 2.5 - 2.3 kWh/kg. Assuming the unit laser power to be 0.4 MW, and since it appears that a multi-channel, solid state laser could be used, one can estimate the ozone production at 1,000 tons per year (although for a full-scale application the free-electron laser is also very promising, especially with its greater economy due to the simplicity of its design and its high level of efficiency). The number of laser stations could be estimated by their dependence on the overall mass of ozone to be regenerated. Part of the on-board power could be utilized for stabilizing a platform in a desirable position by means of electric motors. Laser techniques and the schemes considered above are in general proper for the remote production of ozone in the upper atmosphere. Moreover, the ozone problem is simpler compared to SPS or power supply of spacecrafts and platforms from the ground-based electric grid by means of laser beams. Its realization could begin in 2-3 years. A full-scale system of ozone restoration could be a large sub system of a global laser-solar power system. Space based, solar-pumped lasers could be an ecologically and economically acceptable source of power for active ozone regeneration. We also have suggestions for ozone production and its lifting to the upper atmosphere by environmentally clean transportation, but this needs special consideration.
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