National Compact Stellarator Experiment

With the construction of the National Compact Stellarator Experiment ( NCSX ) was started in April 2003, aim was to demonstrate the functionality of a compact nuclear fusion reactor of the stellarator type.

The NCSX follows the stellarator concept, but is characterized by a lower aspect ratio compared to other stellarator experiments. One of the advantages of the NCSX experiment it should be to keep the plasma stable. The shape of the magnetic cage should be crucial for the stable confinement of the plasma. The very low mounting tolerances required the use of laser trackers and photogrammetric measurement systems to mount the stellarator experiment within tolerance.

The very complex and precise assembly of the NCSX experiment led to a significant underestimation of project costs from the original 102 million U.S. dollars, so was accompanied by a significantly prolonged construction period. A project review found that the stellarator experiment could not be taken until July 2009 into operation on schedule and costs in the amount of 170 million U.S. dollars would be incurred. Due to the cost overrun and delay the date by four years the project on 22 May 2008 was stopped.