UK's fusion machine starts scientific campaign to double heating power

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has launched the fifth scientific campaign of its flagship fusion machine, the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) Upgrade, marking a significant step toward developing the UK’s first fusion power plant. Over the next six months, more than 200 researchers from over 40 global institutions will conduct upwards of 950 plasma pulses to deepen understanding of fusion processes within the tokamak reactor. The campaign focuses on four key areas: high-pressure fusion plasma, energy control and stability, divertor design improvements, and plasma behavior prediction tools. MAST Upgrade is set to receive substantial enhancements, including the installation of an Electron Bernstein Wave heating system and two additional neutral beam injectors, which together will double its heating power. These upgrades aim to replicate technologies planned for the STEP Fusion program, the UK’s prototype fusion power plant project. The campaign builds on previous successes, such as the world-first plasma control using 3D magnetic coils during the fourth campaign, underscoring