Completion of the KSTAR construction and its role as ITER pilot device

The construction of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device has been completed by August 2007. Key achievements in the KSTAR construction are (i) fabrication process establishment in the Nb3Sn superconducting coils including interface components, (ii) development of magnet structures to resist high magnetic force and thermal loads of TF and PF coils, (iii) accurate assembling of all components using special assembly tools, and (iv) development of ancillary systems including a control system, magnet power supplies, diagnostic systems, heating systems, and cryogenic facility. Device commissioning has been started and the milestone for first plasma discharge is by the end of 2008.The KSTAR operation plan is targeted on the high performance plasma confinement research and long pulse operation achievement using the fully superconducting tokamak device. There is a lot of engineering similarity between KSTAR and ITER, such as using Nb3Sn superconductor for TF and CS magnets. The experience of the KSTAR device could be an important technical basis for the design, procurement, and initial operation of the ITER device, as a role of a ITER pilot device.