A starting circuit for providing a high-voltage pulse for igniting an arc in an arcjet thruster includes a resonant capacitor for storage of the energy required to generate the high-voltage pulse. The capacitor is resonantly switched with a small resonant inductor which, in turn, resonates with a high-voltage cable capacitance, generating a high-voltage pulse via a step-up transformer to the arcjet thruster for igniting the arc. Advantageously, the transformer turns ratio is minimized, thus minimizing the required transformer size and weight; and the high-voltage pulse is isolated from the arcjet power supply semiconductor devices.

A condom assembly adapted to be received by a passive sexual organ includes a condom and a biocompatible, water soluble, shape-retaining insertion element adapted to deliver the condom to a passive sexual organ, such as the vaginal cavity, prior to intercourse and without first affixing the condom to an erect penis. The assembly may include an applicator to further facilitate insertion of the insertion element housing a condom into the passive sexual organ.