China · Magnetic confinement (superconducting tokamak)
Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak
Operated by Hefei Institutes of Physical Science · CAS · First operation 2006
Status: Operational
China's "artificial sun" — a superconducting tokamak setting world records for long-duration high-temperature plasma operation.
EAST holds the world record for sustained high-temperature plasma, including a 1,066-second discharge at 70 million K and 17 minutes at 70 million K in 2025. It serves as a platform for ITER steady-state research.
Key specifications
- Major radius
- 1.85 m
- Magnetic field
- 3.5 T
- Plasma current
- 1 MA
Milestones
2006
First plasma
Apr 2023
403-second 120 million K plasma
Jan 2025
1,066 s plasma at 70 million K — world record