The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

The Intl Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) was launched in 1987 by scientists and engineers from major fusion R&D programs worldwide. When completed shortly after the turn of the century, IETR will be able to generate more than 1000 times the power of current fusion reactors. The evolution of tokamak technology is briefly discussed and the operating principles of ITER, which will fuse deuterium and tritium to generate more power than it consumes, are explained. After completion of the $7.5 billion reactor, attempts will be made to achieve ignited, burning plasma conditions. Research will then focus on the steady operation of the plasma, the effects of alpha -particle heating of plasma, and fusion technology and engineering.