After vetting your claim, it seems you are quite right. Turns out NASA has explored the possibilities presented by Diet and his Space Coupe. Something new to be learned every day, at least for me. I still believe Buck Roger's vehicle used a carbon based fuel based upon the telltale exhaust plume,
As for your favorite vehicle, it seems suspended above an air pocket as the field jockeys for position. Solid base around 120, just above the chop zone, probably come late Spring. CO