The KSTAR project: An advanced steady state superconducting tokamak experiment

The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) project is the major effort of the national fusion programme of the Republic of Korea. Its aim is to develop a steady state capable advanced superconducting tokamak to establish a scientific and technological basis for an attractive fusion reactor. The major parameters of the tokamak are: major radius 1.8 mi minor radius 0.5 m. toroidal held 3.5 T and plasma current 2 MA, with a strongly shaped plasma cross-section and double null divertor. The initial pulse le ngth provided by the poloidal magnet system is 20 s, but the pulse length c an be increased to 300 s through non-inductive current drive. The plasma he ating and current drive system consists of neutral beams? ion cyclotron wav es, lower hybrid waves and electron cyclotron waves for flexible profile co ntrol in advanced tokamak operating modes. A comprehensive set of diagnosti cs is planned for plasma control, performance evaluation and physics unders tanding. The project has completed its conceptual design and moved to the e ngineering design and construction phase. The target date for the first pla sma is 2002.