China's 'Artificial Sun' Breaks Record for Sustained Nuclear Fusion Plasma

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China has achieved a significant milestone in nuclear fusion research with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the 'artificial sun,' successfully operating for 1,006 seconds at a plasma temperature of over 180 million degrees Fahrenheit. This breakthrough, reported by the State Council Information Office, is considered a world record for the experimental device and a crucial step towards making nuclear fusion reactors commercially viable.

The achievement surpasses EAST's previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023 and is essential for developing future nuclear fusion reactors, which aim to produce clean energy without carbon emissions or radioactive waste. The results signify that the conditions necessary for stable and long-term operation of nuclear fusion reactors could be met, potentially leading to a self-sustaining plasma circulation formula required for continuous power generation.

Upgrades to EAST's systems, including enhanced heating capabilities, contributed to this record-breaking operation. As stated by Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics, continuous operation at high efficiency for extended durations is critical for future fusion plants.

China's advancements in fusion technology not only contribute to domestic energy strategies but also play a role in international collaboration on larger projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) being built in France.

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