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China launches ‘Kuafu’ nuclear fusion research facility, named after mythical giant, in quest to build ‘artificial sun’

  • It will feature doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber and massive superconducting magnet for fusion experiments, according to Xinhua report
  • The complex, officially known as CRAFT, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and scientists are already at work there

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Staff members test equipment at the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) in east China’s Anhui province. Photo: Xinhua
Victoria Bela
China has launched its largest nuclear fusion research facility – nicknamed after a mythical giant – as it continues its quest to build an “artificial sun”.

In a report on Monday, state news agency Xinhua revealed for the first time the interior of the completed main building of the facility in east China’s Anhui province.

It is formally known as the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) but has been nicknamed “Kuafu” after a mythical figure who tried to capture the sun.

The report showed some of the facility’s experimental components, including a prototype of one of eight massive pieces inspired by orange segments that come together to form a hollow doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber where the fusion experiments will take place.
Eight semi-circular pieces will come together, like segments of an orange, to form a doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber for fusion experiments. Photo: Xinhua
Eight semi-circular pieces will come together, like segments of an orange, to form a doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber for fusion experiments. Photo: Xinhua

Also featured in the report was a 700-tonne (771-ton) superconducting magnet used for magnetic confinement fusion.

CRAFT is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and scientists have already started working on projects at the complex, according to Xinhua.

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