The FES program mission is to expand the fundamental understanding of matter at very high temperatures and densities and to build the scientific foundation needed to develop a fusion energy source.

This is accomplished by studying plasma and its interactions with its surroundings across wide ranges

credit: USDAgov on Flickr

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of temperature and density, developing advanced diagnostics to make detailed measurements of its properties and dynamics, and creating theoretical and computational models to resolve essential physics principles.

As a major step toward realizing this mission, the U. S. is a partner in an international project to build and operate ITER, a major international fusion facility currently under construction in St.

Paul-lez-Durance, France, whose mission is to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy.

Looking toward the ITER era, a major goal of the FES program is to identify and resolve the remaining science and technology challenges that must be addressed to assure that ITER can reach its performance goals and to develop the scientific work force needed to be a leader in burning plasma science.

While ITER is under construction, the FES program intends to make effective use of its resources to explore critical issues at the frontiers of fusion research by exploiting both the strength of its domestic research facilities and the capabilities of fusion facilities supported primarily by our international partners.