Status of the KSTAR project

The KSTAR project was started in 1996 and conducted in three phases, the conceptual design phase (1996-1998), the R and D and engineering design phase (1998-2002), and the construction phase (2002-2007). The mission of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) Project is to develop a steady-state-capable advanced superconducting tokamak for establishing a scientific and technological basis for an attractive fusion reactor. Since the KSTAR mission includes the achievement of a steady-state-capable operation, the use of superconducting coils is an obvious choice for the magnet system and the long pulse current drive and heating systems are also the important aspect of the KSTAR design features. The advanced tokamak aspect of the mission is incorporated in the design features associated with flexible plasma shaping, double-null divertor and passive stabilizer, internal control coils. All the major components are in the stage of the fabrication and assembly for the completion of the KSTAR construction in the year 2007. (author)