Aircraft carriers use nuclear fission to heat pressurised water, which creates steam in a separate loop. This steam spins turbines to drive propellers and generate electricity. 

How an aircraft carrier’s nuclear reactor works

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidWRYvFieR78Pm" /><meta charset="utf-8" />For the second time since a groundbreaking achievement in December 2022, American scientists have accomplished net energy gain in a nuclear fusion reaction. The breakthrough is being viewed as a major step towards the pursuit of a nearly limitless, safe, and clean energy source.</p>

<p>Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have replicated their historic breakthrough by achieving a higher energy yield in an experiment conducted at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on July 30th.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a spokesperson from Lawrence Livermore, the final results are currently under analysis.</p>

<p>Although a major success, it is part of a long journey that could last for decades in the ongoing effort to attain an affordable and environmentally friendly power source.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-breakthrough-in-nuclear-fusion-achieved-a-step-closer-to-clean-energy-us-set-to-make-announcement-542238"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Massive breakthrough in nuclear fusion achieved! A step closer to clean energy, US set to make announcement</strong></a></p>

<p>The success of this endeavour was originally reported by the Financial Times on Sunday.</p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear fission vs nuclear fusion</strong></h2>

<p>Presently, nuclear power plants rely on fission, a process involving the splitting of atoms to generate energy — a central theme in the recent blockbuster film&nbsp;<em>Oppenheimer</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While nuclear power offers ample clean energy, it has raised safety concerns over the years. However, it is regaining attention amidst global efforts to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Nuclear fusion energy breakthrough achieved</strong></p>

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<p>In contrast, fusion generates energy by fusing atoms together. This concept has long been admired due to its potential for generating unlimited, clean energy without having to deal with radioactive waste associated with nuclear power or the threat of a meltdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the fuel required for fusion is abundantly present on earth--heavy hydrogen atoms found in seawater--eliminating the need for uranium mining.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the recent breakthrough is significant?</strong></h2>

<p>Although fusion reactions have been achieved previously, they have often required more energy input than energy output.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The notable achievement in these recent experiments lies in obtaining more energy output than the input used to initiate the reaction. This level of efficiency has been a desired goal in fusion research.</p>

<h2><strong>White House earlier praised December results</strong></h2>

<p>The White House praised the December 2022 breakthrough, terming it a "wonderful example" of possibility realised.</p>

<p>"This is such a wonderful example of a possibility realised, a scientific milestone achieved, and a road ahead to the possibilities for clean energy,” Arati Prabhakar, the White House science adviser, was quoted as saying by Washington Post.</p>

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For the second time since a groundbreaking achievement in December 2022, American scientists have accomplished net energy gain in a nuclear fusion reaction. The breakthrough is being viewed as a major step towards the pursuit of a nearly limitless, safe, and clean energy source.

For the second time since a groundbreaking achievement in December 2022, American scientists have accomplished net energy gain in a nuclear fusion reaction. The breakthrough is being viewed as a major step towards the pursuit of a nearly limitless, safe, and clean energy source. Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have replicated their historic breakthrough by achieving a higher energy yield in an experiment conducted at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on July 30th. According to a spokesperson from Lawrence Livermore, the final results are currently under analysis. Although a major success, it is part of a long journey that could last for decades in the ongoing effort to attain an affordable and environmentally friendly power source. Also read: Massive breakthrough in nuclear fusion achieved! A step closer to clean energy, US set to make announcement The success of this endeavour was originally reported by the Financial Times on Sunday. Nuclear fission vs nuclear fusion Presently, nuclear power plants rely on fission, a process involving the splitting of atoms to generate energy — a central theme in the recent blockbuster film Oppenheimer. While nuclear power offers ample clean energy, it has raised safety concerns over the years. However, it is regaining attention amidst global efforts to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. WATCH: Nuclear fusion energy breakthrough achieved × In contrast, fusion generates energy by fusing atoms together. This concept has long been admired due to its potential for generating unlimited, clean energy without having to deal with radioactive waste associated with nuclear power or the threat of a meltdown. Moreover, the fuel required for fusion is abundantly present on earth--heavy hydrogen atoms found in seawater--eliminating the need for uranium mining. Why the recent breakthrough is significant? Although fusion reactions have been achieved previously, they have often required more energy input than energy output. The notable achievement in these recent experiments lies in obtaining more energy output than the input used to initiate the reaction. This level of efficiency has been a desired goal in fusion research. White House earlier praised December results The White House praised the December 2022 breakthrough, terming it a "wonderful example" of possibility realised. "This is such a wonderful example of a possibility realised, a scientific milestone achieved, and a road ahead to the possibilities for clean energy,” Arati Prabhakar, the White House science adviser, was quoted as saying by Washington Post. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Scientists achieve net energy gain from nuclear fusion reaction for second time

<p>America's premier space agency NASA is attempting to develop a nuclear rocket that will take humanity to Mars and beyond. The space agency and the&nbsp;Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA on Wednesday announced Lockheed Martin had been selected to design, build and test propulsion based on the nuclear fission process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The programme, named&nbsp;Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations or DRACO, is expected to cost as much as $499 million. NASA informed that under the programme, a nuclear-powered rocket will be tested in space as soon as 2027.</p>

<p>"Working with DARPA and companies across the commercial space industry will enable us to accelerate the technology development we need to send humans to Mars," said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.</p>

<p>"This demonstration will be a crucial step in meeting our Moon to Mars objectives for crew transportation into deep space."</p>

<p>According to reports, the DRACO engine would consist of a nuclear reactor, which will be designed and built by&nbsp;BWX Technologies, a company based in Lynchburg, Virginia. The reactor would heat hydrogen from minus&nbsp;420 degrees Fahrenheit to a toasty 4,400 degrees, with the hot gas shooting from a nozzle to generate thrust.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-nasa-announces-plans-for-a-nuclear-rocket-555955"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Will reduce time and make space exploration safer</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, a nuclear-powered spacecraft will make space missions faster and much safer for the crew.&nbsp;Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems</p>

<p>"Nuclear propulsion is a key capability on NASA's roadmap to send astronauts to Mars. A nuclear-powered rocket would enable faster trips to the Red Planet, making missions less complex and safer for crew," said NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This type of engine requires significantly less propellant than chemical rockets, so missions would be able to carry additional scientific equipment."</p>

<p>The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months and that too every 26 months when Mars and Earth are close enough.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-and-exciting-find-international-team-of-researchers-discover-8kg-meteorite-in-antarctica-555001">'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica</a></strong></p>

<p>While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever".</p>

<p>Apart from the DRACO programme, NASA is currently working with the Department of Energy and other industry stakeholders on space nuclear technology initiatives, including Fission Surface Power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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America's premier space agency NASA is attempting to develop a nuclear rocket that will take humanity to Mars and beyond. The space agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA on Wednesday announced Lockheed Martin had been selected to design, build and test propulsion based on the nuclear fission process.

America's premier space agency NASA is attempting to develop a nuclear rocket that will take humanity to Mars and beyond. The space agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA on Wednesday announced Lockheed Martin had been selected to design, build and test propulsion based on the nuclear fission process. The programme, named Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations or DRACO, is expected to cost as much as $499 million. NASA informed that under the programme, a nuclear-powered rocket will be tested in space as soon as 2027. "Working with DARPA and companies across the commercial space industry will enable us to accelerate the technology development we need to send humans to Mars," said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. "This demonstration will be a crucial step in meeting our Moon to Mars objectives for crew transportation into deep space." According to reports, the DRACO engine would consist of a nuclear reactor, which will be designed and built by BWX Technologies, a company based in Lynchburg, Virginia. The reactor would heat hydrogen from minus 420 degrees Fahrenheit to a toasty 4,400 degrees, with the hot gas shooting from a nozzle to generate thrust. Watch | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket × Will reduce time and make space exploration safer Notably, a nuclear-powered spacecraft will make space missions faster and much safer for the crew. Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems "Nuclear propulsion is a key capability on NASA's roadmap to send astronauts to Mars. A nuclear-powered rocket would enable faster trips to the Red Planet, making missions less complex and safer for crew," said NASA. "This type of engine requires significantly less propellant than chemical rockets, so missions would be able to carry additional scientific equipment." The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months and that too every 26 months when Mars and Earth are close enough. Also read | 'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever". Apart from the DRACO programme, NASA is currently working with the Department of Energy and other industry stakeholders on space nuclear technology initiatives, including Fission Surface Power. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NASA & Lockheed Martin join hands to send humanity to Mars on a nuclear-powered rocket

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<p>China has conducted yet another nuclear fusion experiment in its pursuit of creating an 'artificial sun'. On Wednesday night, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor created an artificial sun that sustained plasma for a whopping 403 seconds, breaking the 101-second record it had set in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to various estimates, 300 seconds is the minimum time frame required to demonstrate steady-state operations. Keeping the figure in mind, scientists believe it is a major breakthrough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences told Chinese state media that the work by his team has laid a solid foundation to improve the technical and economic feasibility of fusion reactors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The main significance of this new breakthrough lies in its ‘high-confinement mode’, under which the temperature and density of the plasma increase significantly,” Song told Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The record is also a big step forward for our team in terms of fundamental physics research, fusion engineering, and project operation and maintenance."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-conducts-nuclear-fusion-experiment-for-artificial-sun-439314"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;China conducts nuclear fusion experiment for 'artificial sun</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>China developing next-gen 'artificial sun'</strong></h2>

<p>Chinese scientists have been operating EAST since 2006. The reactor has completed over 120,000 experiments so far. In 2018, breaking another record, the reactor managed to contain plasma for almost 18 minutes with the temperature reaching close to 70 million degrees Celsius. However, it was a different operation mode from the one used during Wednesday's test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having tasted success already, Beijing is looking to take another giant stride in the field. It has already completed the design of its next-generation artificial sun called Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) which will kick into operations by 2035.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-china-leading-the-ai-race-where-does-india-figure-in-this-battle-for-tech-dominance-this-world-573274"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Is China leading the AI race? Where does India figure in this battle for tech dominance?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Nuclear fusion vs fission&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Nuclear fusion is considered the holy grail of energy and it is what powers our sun. It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy, which is the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments.</p>

<p>Moreover, unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By mimicking the natural reaction of the sun, scientists are hoping that the technology may help humanity harness vast amounts of energy and help battle the energy crisis</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-korean-scientists-create-an-artificial-sun-in-pursuit-of-unlimited-clean-energy-515686"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;South Korean scientists create an 'artificial sun' in pursuit of unlimited clean energy</strong></a></p>

<p>Last year, scientists working at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor also created an artificial sun that reached temperatures upward of 100 million degree Celsius for 30 seconds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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China has conducted yet another nuclear fusion experiment in its pursuit of creating an 'artificial sun'. On Wednesday night, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor created an artificial sun that sustained plasma for a whopping 403 seconds, breaking the 101-second record it had set in 2017.

China has conducted yet another nuclear fusion experiment in its pursuit of creating an 'artificial sun'. On Wednesday night, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor created an artificial sun that sustained plasma for a whopping 403 seconds, breaking the 101-second record it had set in 2017. According to various estimates, 300 seconds is the minimum time frame required to demonstrate steady-state operations. Keeping the figure in mind, scientists believe it is a major breakthrough. Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences told Chinese state media that the work by his team has laid a solid foundation to improve the technical and economic feasibility of fusion reactors. “The main significance of this new breakthrough lies in its ‘high-confinement mode’, under which the temperature and density of the plasma increase significantly,” Song told Xinhua news agency. “The record is also a big step forward for our team in terms of fundamental physics research, fusion engineering, and project operation and maintenance." ALSO READ | China conducts nuclear fusion experiment for 'artificial sun China developing next-gen 'artificial sun' Chinese scientists have been operating EAST since 2006. The reactor has completed over 120,000 experiments so far. In 2018, breaking another record, the reactor managed to contain plasma for almost 18 minutes with the temperature reaching close to 70 million degrees Celsius. However, it was a different operation mode from the one used during Wednesday's test. Having tasted success already, Beijing is looking to take another giant stride in the field. It has already completed the design of its next-generation artificial sun called Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) which will kick into operations by 2035. WATCH | Is China leading the AI race? Where does India figure in this battle for tech dominance? × Nuclear fusion vs fission Nuclear fusion is considered the holy grail of energy and it is what powers our sun. It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy, which is the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments. Moreover, unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material. By mimicking the natural reaction of the sun, scientists are hoping that the technology may help humanity harness vast amounts of energy and help battle the energy crisis ALSO READ | South Korean scientists create an 'artificial sun' in pursuit of unlimited clean energy Last year, scientists working at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor also created an artificial sun that reached temperatures upward of 100 million degree Celsius for 30 seconds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China's 'artificial sun' breaches another frontier, sustains plasma for nearly 7 minutes

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<p>A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar&nbsp;international project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pietro Barabaschi, director general of the multi-billion dollar International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project said the previous goal to carry a first operation test to create plasma by 2025 was unrealistic.</p>

<p>The date "wasn't realistic in the first place," even before two major problems surfaced, Barabaschi was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that fixing the problems "is not a question of weeks, but months, even years."</p>

<p>Earlier, the project had the aim to achieve full fusion power by 2035. However, the delay cited by&nbsp;Barabaschi means that it could be pushed around by another few years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ITER is a joint project between the US, India, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea and Russia. It was started after a summit between US president&nbsp;Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow has managed to keep its end of the bargain connected to the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project site is in southern France but the decades-old initiative has been criticised for regularly running into technical challenges and cost overruns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akin to the scientists in the US, the ITER project aims to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale source of energy for the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-nuclear-fusion-energy-breakthrough-543107"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Decoding nuclear fusion energy breakthrough</strong></a></p>

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<p>Last month, the scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California said they were successful in generating a fusion reaction between two hydrogen atoms and were also able to maintain the reaction in a controlled environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, the US government patted its own back and said the breakthrough will help towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world replace fossil fuels.</p>

<p>“Today, we tell the world that America has achieved a tremendous scientific breakthrough ... we invested in our national labs and we invested in fundamental research, and tomorrow will continue for a future that is powered, in part by fusion energy,” said US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-belief-us-announces-historic-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-but-what-is-nuclear-fusion-542879" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Beyond belief!: US announces historic nuclear fusion breakthrough, but how is it important for us?</strong></a></p>

<p>Nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is the inverse of nuclear fission, which occurs when heavy atoms are split apart. Fission is the technology currently used in nuclear power plants, but the process generates a lot of waste that emits radiation for a long time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar international project.

A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar international project. Pietro Barabaschi, director general of the multi-billion dollar International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project said the previous goal to carry a first operation test to create plasma by 2025 was unrealistic. The date "wasn't realistic in the first place," even before two major problems surfaced, Barabaschi was quoted as saying by AFP. He added that fixing the problems "is not a question of weeks, but months, even years." Earlier, the project had the aim to achieve full fusion power by 2035. However, the delay cited by Barabaschi means that it could be pushed around by another few years. ITER is a joint project between the US, India, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea and Russia. It was started after a summit between US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. Despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow has managed to keep its end of the bargain connected to the project. The project site is in southern France but the decades-old initiative has been criticised for regularly running into technical challenges and cost overruns. Akin to the scientists in the US, the ITER project aims to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale source of energy for the world. WATCH | Gravitas: Decoding nuclear fusion energy breakthrough × Last month, the scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California said they were successful in generating a fusion reaction between two hydrogen atoms and were also able to maintain the reaction in a controlled environment. At the time, the US government patted its own back and said the breakthrough will help towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world replace fossil fuels. “Today, we tell the world that America has achieved a tremendous scientific breakthrough ... we invested in our national labs and we invested in fundamental research, and tomorrow will continue for a future that is powered, in part by fusion energy,” said US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Read more: Beyond belief!: US announces historic nuclear fusion breakthrough, but how is it important for us? Nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun. It is the inverse of nuclear fission, which occurs when heavy atoms are split apart. Fission is the technology currently used in nuclear power plants, but the process generates a lot of waste that emits radiation for a long time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

International nuclear fusion energy project faces delays, say scientists

US scientists announced a breakthrough on fusion energy, potentially a step toward one day harnessing the process that fires the sun to generate carbon-free electricity as the world struggles with climate change.

WION Climate Tracker: Can nuclear fusion save our planet?

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<p>Scientists from Seoul National University and the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of clean nuclear energy by creating an 'artificial sun' at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, the reactor reached temperatures upward of 100 million degree Celsius for 30 seconds. Comparatively, the core of the sun hits temperatures around 15 million degrees.</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that nuclear fusion is considered the holy grail of energy and it is what powers our sun. It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy, which is the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments.</p>

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<p>By mimicking the natural reaction of the sun, scientists are hoping that the technology may help humanity harness vast amounts of energy and help battle the energy crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We usually say that fusion energy is a dream energy source – it is almost limitless, with low emission of greenhouse gases and no high-level radioactive waste – [but the latest breakthrough] means fusion is not a dream,” said Yoo Suk-jae, president, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy.</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-conducts-nuclear-fusion-experiment-for-artificial-sun-439314" target="_blank">China conducts nuclear fusion experiment for 'artificial sun'</a></p>

<p>Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material. The scientists at KSTAR are not sitting on their laurels and have already put their sights on operating the reactor for five minutes or 300 seconds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is not the end of the story, we must move on to 300 seconds – 300 is the minimum time frame to demonstrate steady-state operations, then this plasma can work forever,”</p>

<p>However, this is not the first time that an artificial sun has been created in laboratories. As reported by WION, Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006.</p>

<p>Reportedly, last year in December, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor created an artificial sun, reaching temperatures of 70 million degrees Celsius&nbsp;for 1,056 seconds, which is five times hotter than the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to that in May, the same reactor ran for 101 seconds at a temperature of 20 million degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hotter-than-the-real-sun-chinas-artificial-sun-sets-massive-record-for-plasma-fusion-442592" target="_blank">&nbsp;Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Scientists from Seoul National University and the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of clean nuclear energy by creating an 'artificial sun' at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor.

Scientists from Seoul National University and the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of clean nuclear energy by creating an 'artificial sun' at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor. Reportedly, the reactor reached temperatures upward of 100 million degree Celsius for 30 seconds. Comparatively, the core of the sun hits temperatures around 15 million degrees. It is pertinent to note that nuclear fusion is considered the holy grail of energy and it is what powers our sun. It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy, which is the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments. × By mimicking the natural reaction of the sun, scientists are hoping that the technology may help humanity harness vast amounts of energy and help battle the energy crisis. “We usually say that fusion energy is a dream energy source – it is almost limitless, with low emission of greenhouse gases and no high-level radioactive waste – [but the latest breakthrough] means fusion is not a dream,” said Yoo Suk-jae, president, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy. Read more: China conducts nuclear fusion experiment for 'artificial sun' Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material. The scientists at KSTAR are not sitting on their laurels and have already put their sights on operating the reactor for five minutes or 300 seconds. “This is not the end of the story, we must move on to 300 seconds – 300 is the minimum time frame to demonstrate steady-state operations, then this plasma can work forever,” However, this is not the first time that an artificial sun has been created in laboratories. As reported by WION, Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006. Reportedly, last year in December, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor created an artificial sun, reaching temperatures of 70 million degrees Celsius for 1,056 seconds, which is five times hotter than the sun. Prior to that in May, the same reactor ran for 101 seconds at a temperature of 20 million degrees Celsius. Read more: Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korean scientists create an 'artificial sun' in pursuit of unlimited clean energy

<p>Nasa, along with the US department of energy, is working&nbsp;to enhance space nuclear technologies. The space agency&nbsp;has chosen three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design which may be ready for launch by the end of this decade for a demonstration on the Moon and is going to benefit exploration under the Artemis mission in the future.</p>

<p>Three companies, Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a partnership between Intuitive Machines and X-Energy), will be receiving a contract through DOE's Idaho National Laboratory, each valued at nearly $5 million.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a></strong></p>

<p>The contracts will finance the development of initial design concepts for a 40-kilowatt class fission power system which is being planned to last for a minimum period of 10 years in the lunar environment.</p>

<p>Fission systems are reliable and relatively small and lightweight in comparison to other power systems. These systems will have the capacity to enable continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, and other natural environmental conditions, paving the way for long-duration missions on the Moon and even Mars.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious rocks reveal to reveal secrets of Mars?</strong></p>

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<p>The Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, Jim Reuter, said, "New technology drives our exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The development of these early designs will help us lay the groundwork for powering our long-term human presence on other worlds."</p>

<p>Idaho National Laboratory's managing and operating contractor, Battelle Energy Alliance, led the request for the Proposal development, evaluation, and also procurement sponsored by NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner said, "The Fission Surface Power project is a very achievable first step toward the United States establishing nuclear power on the Moon. I look forward to seeing what each of these teams will accomplish."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-gradually-shut-voyager-probes-as-they-drift-away-489927">NASA to gradually shut Voyager probes as they drift away</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA will receive critical information from the industry through Phase 1 awards that can result in the full flight-certified fission power system being jointly developed.</p>

<p>The Fission surface power technologies will also help NASA with mature nuclear propulsion systems that rely on reactors to generate power that can be used for deep space exploration missions.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Nasa, along with the US department of energy, is working to enhance space nuclear technologies. The space agency has chosen three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design which may be ready for launch by the end of this decade for a demonstration on the Moon and is going to benefit exploration under the Artemis mission in the future.

Nasa, along with the US department of energy, is working to enhance space nuclear technologies. The space agency has chosen three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design which may be ready for launch by the end of this decade for a demonstration on the Moon and is going to benefit exploration under the Artemis mission in the future. Three companies, Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a partnership between Intuitive Machines and X-Energy), will be receiving a contract through DOE's Idaho National Laboratory, each valued at nearly $5 million. Also read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test The contracts will finance the development of initial design concepts for a 40-kilowatt class fission power system which is being planned to last for a minimum period of 10 years in the lunar environment. Fission systems are reliable and relatively small and lightweight in comparison to other power systems. These systems will have the capacity to enable continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, and other natural environmental conditions, paving the way for long-duration missions on the Moon and even Mars. Watch | Gravitas: Mysterious rocks reveal to reveal secrets of Mars? The Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, Jim Reuter, said, "New technology drives our exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The development of these early designs will help us lay the groundwork for powering our long-term human presence on other worlds." Idaho National Laboratory's managing and operating contractor, Battelle Energy Alliance, led the request for the Proposal development, evaluation, and also procurement sponsored by NASA. Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner said, "The Fission Surface Power project is a very achievable first step toward the United States establishing nuclear power on the Moon. I look forward to seeing what each of these teams will accomplish." Also read | NASA to gradually shut Voyager probes as they drift away NASA will receive critical information from the industry through Phase 1 awards that can result in the full flight-certified fission power system being jointly developed. The Fission surface power technologies will also help NASA with mature nuclear propulsion systems that rely on reactors to generate power that can be used for deep space exploration missions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA to test 3 nuclear fission plant designs on the Moon to power Martian and deep space exploration

Israel's Energy Minister has said that it would take it on just about six months to produce enough Nuclear fission material to enrich Uranium. Israel has said that it is extremely worry of Biden administration's intent to re-enter the 2015 Iranian Nuclear deal.

Israel criticizes Biden's bid to rejoin Iran Nuclear deal

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