fbpx
Connect with us

Breaking News

DOE National Laboratory Makes History by Achieving Fusion Ignition

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced the achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)—a major scientific breakthrough decades in the making that will pave the way for advancements in national defense and the future of clean power.

Published

on

For First Time, Researchers Produce More Energy from Fusion Than Was Used to Drive It, Promising Further Discovery in Clean Power and Nuclear Weapons Stewardship

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced the achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)—a major scientific breakthrough decades in the making that will pave the way for advancements in national defense and the future of clean power. On December 5, a team at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) conducted the first controlled fusion experiment in history to reach this milestone, also known as scientific energy breakeven, meaning it produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it. This historic, first-of-its kind achievement will provide unprecedented capability to support NNSA’s Stockpile Stewardship Program and will provide invaluable insights into the prospects of clean fusion energy, which would be a game-changer for efforts to achieve President Biden’s goal of a net-zero carbon economy.

“This is a landmark achievement for the researchers and staff at the National Ignition Facility who have dedicated their careers to seeing fusion ignition become a reality, and this milestone will undoubtedly spark even more discovery,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting our world-class scientists—like the team at NIF—whose work will help us solve humanity’s most complex and pressing problems, like providing clean power to combat climate change and maintaining a nuclear deterrent without nuclear testing.”

“We have had a theoretical understanding of fusion for over a century, but the journey from knowing to doing can be long and arduous. Today’s milestone shows what we can do with perseverance,” said Dr. Arati Prabhakar, the President’s Chief Advisor for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“Monday, December 5, 2022, was a historic day in science thanks to the incredible people at Livermore Lab and the National Ignition Facility. In making this breakthrough, they have opened a new chapter in NNSA’s Stockpile Stewardship Program,” said NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby. “I would like to thank the members of Congress who have supported the National Ignition Facility because their belief in the promise of visionary science has been critical for our mission. Our team from around the DOE national laboratories and our international partners have shown us the power of collaboration.”

“The pursuit of fusion ignition in the laboratory is one of the most significant scientific challenges ever tackled by humanity, and achieving it is a triumph of science, engineering, and most of all, people,” LLNL Director Dr. Kim Budil said. “Crossing this threshold is the vision that has driven 60 years of dedicated pursuit—a continual process of learning, building, expanding knowledge and capability, and then finding ways to overcome the new challenges that emerged. These are the problems that the U.S. national laboratories were created to solve.”

“This astonishing scientific advance puts us on the precipice of a future no longer reliant on fossil fuels but instead powered by new clean fusion energy,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said. I commend Lawrence Livermore National Labs and its partners in our nation’s Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program, including the University of Rochester’s Lab for Laser Energetics in New York, for achieving this breakthrough. Making this future clean energy world a reality will require our physicists, innovative workers, and brightest minds at our DOE-funded institutions, including the Rochester Laser Lab, to double down on their cutting-edge work. That’s why I’m also proud to announce today that I’ve helped to secure the highest ever authorization of over $624 million this year in the National Defense Authorization Act for the ICF program to build on this amazing breakthrough.”

“After more than a decade of scientific and technical innovation, I congratulate the team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the National Ignition Facility for their historic accomplishment,” said U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA). “This is an exciting step in fusion and everyone at Lawrence Livermore and NIF should be proud of this milestone achievement.”

“This is an historic, innovative achievement that builds on the contributions of generations of Livermore scientists. Today, our nation stands on their collective shoulders. We still have a long way to go, but this is a critical step and I commend the U.S. Department of Energy and all who contributed toward this promising breakthrough, which could help fuel a brighter clean energy future for the United States and humanity,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed (RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“This monumental scientific breakthrough is a milestone for the future of clean energy,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA). “While there is more work ahead to harness the potential of fusion energy, I am proud that California scientists continue to lead the way in developing clean energy technologies. I congratulate the scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for their dedication to a clean energy future, and I am committed to ensuring they have all of the tools and funding they need to continue this important work.”

“This is a very big deal. We can celebrate another performance record by the National Ignition Facility. This latest achievement is particularly remarkable because NIF used a less spherically symmetrical target than in the August 2021 experiment,” said U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-19). “This significant advancement showcases the future possibilities for the commercialization of fusion energy. Congress and the Administration need to fully fund and properly implement the fusion research provisions in the recent CHIPS and Science Act and likely more. During World War II, we crafted the Manhattan Project for a timely result. The challenges facing the world today are even greater than at that time. We must double down and accelerate the research to explore new pathways for the clean, limitless energy that fusion promises.”

“I am thrilled that NIF—the United States’ most cutting-edge nuclear research facility—has achieved fusion ignition, potentially providing for a new clean and sustainable energy source in the future. This breakthrough will ensure the safety and reliability of our nuclear stockpile, open new frontiers in science, and enable progress toward new ways to power our homes and offices in future decades,” said U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15). “I commend the scientists and researchers for their hard work and dedication that led to this monumental scientific achievement, and I will continue to push for robust funding for NIF to support advancements in fusion research.”

LLNL’s experiment surpassed the fusion threshold by delivering 2.05 megajoules (MJ) of energy to the target, resulting in 3.15 MJ of fusion energy output, demonstrating for the first time a most fundamental science basis for inertial fusion energy (IFE). Many advanced science and technology developments are still needed to achieve simple, affordable IFE to power homes and businesses, and DOE is currently restarting a broad-based, coordinated IFE program in the United States. Combined with private-sector investment, there is a lot of momentum to drive rapid progress toward fusion commercialization.

Fusion is the process by which two light nuclei combine to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. In the 1960s, a group of pioneering scientists at LLNL hypothesized that lasers could be used to induce fusion in a laboratory setting. Led by physicist John Nuckolls, who later served as LLNL director from 1988 to 1994, this revolutionary idea became inertial confinement fusion, kicking off more than 60 years of research and development in lasers, optics, diagnostics, target fabrication, computer modeling and simulation, and experimental design.

To pursue this concept, LLNL built a series of increasingly powerful laser systems, leading to the creation of NIF, the world’s largest and most energetic laser system. NIF—located at LLNL in Livermore, Calif.—is the size of a sports stadium and uses powerful laser beams to create temperatures and pressures like those in the cores of stars and giant planets, and inside exploding nuclear weapons.

Achieving ignition was made possible by dedication from LLNL employees as well as countless collaborators at DOE’s Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Nevada National Security Site; General Atomics; academic institutions, including the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of California, Berkeley, and Princeton University; international partners, including the United Kingdom’s Atomic Weapons Establishment and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission; and stakeholders at DOE and NNSA and in Congress.

Source: Department of Energy

https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-national-laboratory-makes-history-achieving-fusion-ignition



https://stmdailynews.tv/


Want more stories 👋
"Your morning jolt of Inspiring & Interesting Stories!"

Sign up to receive awesome articles directly to your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Breaking News

NORAD Investigates Possible Aircraft Violation in Phoenix Restricted Airspace

The NORAD F-15 intercepted an unidentified aircraft in Phoenix’s restricted airspace, ensuring safety during President Biden’s visit.

Published

on

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the tranquility of Phoenix, Arizona was momentarily disrupted by the roar of jet engines as a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) F-15 fighter jet streaked across the sky. The reason? An unidentified aircraft had breached restricted airspace, prompting a swift response from NORAD to ensure the safety and security of the area.

According to U.S. Air Force officials, radar systems detected an aircraft operating without communication with air traffic control within the no-fly zone established due to President Joe Biden’s visit to the Valley. The incident unfolded around 7:30 a.m., triggering NORAD’s protocols for investigating potential airspace violations.

In a coordinated effort to assess the situation, NORAD dispatched an F-15 jet to intercept the unauthorized aircraft. Flying at approximately 7,000 feet, the fighter pilot initiated a visual inspection, while observers on the ground may have caught a glimpse of the high-speed pursuit unfolding above.

Despite the prompt response and visual confirmation by NORAD, military officials remained tight-lipped about the nature of the intruding aircraft and its outcome following the F-15’s intervention. This reticence is common in matters of national security, where disclosing sensitive information could compromise ongoing operations or reveal defense capabilities.

NORAD’s ability to swiftly detect and respond to airspace violations underscores the importance of its sophisticated network comprising radars, satellites, and fighter jets. This multi-layered system enables NORAD to identify rogue aircraft and determine the appropriate course of action, whether it involves interception, communication, or other measures to mitigate potential threats.

In an emailed statement to Arizona’s Family, an Air Force official emphasized the critical role of NORAD in safeguarding the airspace of the United States and Canada. “The identification and monitoring of aircraft demonstrate how NORAD executes its aerospace warning and aerospace control missions,” the official stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to maintaining air sovereignty and protecting against unauthorized incursions.

The incident over Phoenix serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to ensure the safety and security of airspace, particularly during high-profile events or visits by dignitaries. While most flights operate within established protocols and communicate effectively with air traffic control, occasional deviations or breaches necessitate swift and decisive action to prevent potential risks to public safety.

For NORAD, responding to airspace violations is part of its broader mission to provide aerospace warning and control capabilities, not only during times of crisis but also in routine operations to uphold national defense objectives. Through continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities, NORAD stands ready to defend North American airspace against any threat, whether accidental or deliberate.

While the details of Wednesday’s incident remain shrouded in secrecy, the successful interception by NORAD underscores the effectiveness of its protocols and the professionalism of its personnel. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic coordination, NORAD maintains a robust defense posture, deterring potential adversaries and ensuring the safety of airspace for all.

As the investigation into the unauthorized aircraft continues, NORAD’s vigilance remains unwavering, ready to respond to any future threats with precision and determination. In a world where security threats evolve rapidly, organizations like NORAD play a crucial role in safeguarding the skies and preserving peace and stability for generations to come.

The incident over Phoenix serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of NORAD and its partners in maintaining air sovereignty and protecting against potential threats. By remaining vigilant and responsive, NORAD ensures that the skies above North America remain safe and secure for all who inhabit and traverse them.

NORAD’s advanced technology and strategic coordination enable them to maintain a strong defense posture, deterring adversaries and ensuring airspace safety. As the investigation into the unauthorized aircraft continues, NORAD remains vigilant and ready to respond to future threats with precision. In a rapidly evolving security landscape, organizations like NORAD are crucial for protecting the skies and preserving peace for future generations. The incident over Phoenix highlights NORAD’s tireless efforts in maintaining air sovereignty and defending against potential threats. By remaining vigilant, NORAD ensures the safety and security of the skies above North America.

Source: AZ Family

https://www.azfamily.com/app/2024/03/21/norad-sends-f-15-jet-suspicious-aircraft-over-phoenix/

https://stmdailynews.com/

Continue Reading

Blog

Crisis in the Texas Panhandle: Battling the Devastating Wildfires

“Wildfires ravage Texas Panhandle, prompting evacuations, power outages, and a nuclear facility shutdown. Community resilience shines amid the chaos.”

Published

on

A cluster of wildfires scorched the Texas Panhandle on Wednesday, including a blaze that grew into one of the largest in state history, as flames moved with alarming speed and blackened the landscape across a vast stretch of small towns and cattle ranches. (Feb 28) (AP video by Julio Cortez and Ty O’Neil) (AP production by Javier Arciga)

A series of wildfires wreaked havoc across the Texas Panhandle early Wednesday, unleashing chaos and destruction in their wake. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, now the second-largest wildfire in Texas’s history, has left a trail of evacuations, power outages, and a temporary shutdown of a nuclear weapons facility.

Governor Greg Abbott’s declaration of disaster for 60 counties underscores the severity of the situation. The cause of these ferocious blazes remains a mystery, as they rage through sparsely populated counties characterized by vast plains, cattle ranches, and oil rigs.

In the midst of this turmoil, residents like Adrianna Hill from Borger share harrowing tales of survival. Hill’s account of the fire encircling her town paints a vivid picture of the fear and uncertainty that gripped the community. With roads closed and flames closing in, the resilience of individuals like Hill and the protective force of nature itself offer a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.

As firefighters battle against the infernos, the weather forecast brings a ray of optimism with cooler temperatures, reduced wind, and the possibility of rain on the horizon. Yet, the immediate reality remains dire in many areas, emphasizing the urgent need for support and solidarity in the ongoing fight against these catastrophic wildfires.

In times of crisis, it is in the unity of communities, the courage of individuals, and the dedication of emergency responders that resilience shines brightest. Let us stand together in support of those affected by this disaster, offering our thoughts, prayers, and assistance as they confront this formidable challenge in the Texas Panhandle.

Source: Associated Press

https://apnews.com/article/texas-panhandle-fire-evacuations-2cad37f14581bac74a3691969aaaf956

Continue Reading

actors & performers

Remembering Richard Lewis: The Prince of Pain

In memory of Richard Lewis, the Prince of Pain: a comedic maestro known for his neurotic humor and iconic roles. His legacy of laughter and wit will forever resonate in the hearts of fans worldwide. Rest in peace, Richard Lewis.

Published

on

In the realm of comedy, Richard Lewis stood out as a maestro of neurotic humor, captivating audiences with his frantic, stream-of-consciousness diatribes while clad in his signature all-black attire. Known affectionately as “The Prince of Pain,” Lewis carved a niche for himself in the comedy world, leaving a lasting impact on all who experienced his unique brand of humor.

From AP’s archives: Richard Lewis on working with longtime friend Larry David. The comedian known for his neurotic, stream-of-consciousness act and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” role died Wednesday. He was 76.

With great sorrow, the comedy world bids farewell to this legendary figure as news of his passing at the age of 76 reverberates through the entertainment industry. Lewis, who courageously disclosed his battle with Parkinson’s disease in 2023, passed away at his Los Angeles residence following a heart attack, as confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis graced comedy clubs and late-night TV shows with his unmistakable presence, enchanting audiences with his quirky humor and endearing vulnerability. His roles as Marty Gold in “Anything But Love” alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and as the neurotic Prince John in “Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men In Tights” showcased his versatility and comedic prowess.

A true comedic icon, Lewis endeared himself to a new generation through his role opposite Larry David in the acclaimed series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he continued to enthrall audiences with his relatable kvetching and sharp wit.

In the words of Richard Lewis himself, “I’m paranoid about everything in my life. Even at home. On my stationary bike, I have a rear-view mirror, which I’m not thrilled about.” His humor was a reflection of his unique perspective on life, filled with wit, charm, and a touch of melancholy.

As we reflect on the legacy of Richard Lewis, we remember a comedic genius who fearlessly bared his soul on stage, leaving audiences in stitches with his hilarious anecdotes and self-deprecating humor. His witticisms and comedic brilliance will forever be etched in the annals of comedy history, ensuring that the Prince of Pain’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of experiencing his comedic genius.

Rest in peace, Richard Lewis. Your laughter will echo through eternity, and your memory will forever be cherished by comedy enthusiasts worldwide.

Source: Associated Press

https://apnews.com/article/richard-lewis-dead-c4f69a5ecc8f03850222f8f2145f55ce

https://www.cnn.com/videos/entertainment/2024/02/29/richard-lewis-death-curb-your-enthusiasm-scenes-contd-orig-dp.cnn

Continue Reading

Trending