China's "artificial sun," the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), recently achieved a record-breaking 1,066 seconds of sustained, high-confinement plasma operation, a significant step towards fusion energy. This is a key milestone in the quest for clean and sustainable energy, but it's important to note that this is a research project, not a commercial power source.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What is EAST?
The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as China's "artificial sun," is a nuclear fusion reactor designed to study and develop fusion energy technology.
The Breakthrough:
EAST achieved a new record by maintaining a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 1,066 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 403 seconds.
Significance:
This achievement is a significant step towards developing practical fusion reactors that could generate clean and limitless energy.
Fusion vs. Fission:
Fusion, like the process that powers the sun, involves combining atomic nuclei to release energy, while fission (used in current nuclear power plants) involves splitting atoms.
Location:
The EAST reactor is located in Hefei, in China's Anhui Province.
NASA's Role:
While China's EAST project is a major initiative in fusion research, NASA is also involved in fusion research, but primarily through supporting research and development of fusion-related technologies, according to NASA's website.