Yeah, magnetic confinement is very Star Trek, but I guess we’re finally entering the window of Star Trek history.
Magnetic confinement may be a simpler tech, but it’s still nowhere close to being able to contain a fusion reaction. Yet.
And that may turn out to be the next hurdle to overcome. Still, far less difficult than proving net-positive fusion can be produced artificially (and, especially, by humans).
We’ve accomplished fusion for 70 years. Problem is it’s always been 20 years away from being viable for general use.
We never achieved net positive fusion until last August.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/scientists-achieve-second-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough/
Livermore Lab had net positive from inertial confinement in the early 2000’s, but that tech is more for bomb making than power plants.
Yeah, magnetic confinement is very Star Trek, but I guess we’re finally entering the window of Star Trek history.
Magnetic confinement may be a simpler tech, but it’s still nowhere close to being able to contain a fusion reaction. Yet.
And that may turn out to be the next hurdle to overcome. Still, far less difficult than proving net-positive fusion can be produced artificially (and, especially, by humans).