Joseph Newman's design calls for creation of a magnetic field which is an average about equal to the earth's field over the volume of the balloon. This can be achieved with minimum input power using a large number of turns of tine wire. A vehicle which is 100 feet in diameter and 50 feet high would consist of 400 of the above cubes and would carry a payload of 4.4 tons. A vehicle which is 1,000 feet in diameter and 500 feet high would consist of 400,000 of these cubes and carry a payload of 4,400 tons. The electromagnetic torque and lift are also proportional to volume in this design.
Navigation is achieved by manipulating the orientation of the coils.
Joseph Newman has developed such techniques to extend battery lifetime. It is intended that the craft can operate entirely through interaction with the earth's magnetic field once it leaves the atmosphere. The interaction will be especially strong in the ionosphere and persists in the earth's magnetotail. Joseph Newman's invention was designed and disclosed in a patent application to its construction. Large versions may well carry us gently and safely into space.