2022---cracks-and-dismantling--the-construction-of-the-iter-fusion-reactor-will-take-a-long-time

As of , the project has been significantly delayed to ensure the machine is more "complete" before operation begins.

: In late 2022, engineers discovered stress corrosion cracks in the silver-plated cooling pipes of the vacuum vessel thermal shields. These cracks, some up to 2.2 mm deep, were caused by a combination of bending stress, welding, and chlorine residues. As of , the project has been significantly

: The repair process is essentially a partial dismantling. Approximately 23 kilometers of piping must be ripped out and replaced. This requires pinpointing microscopic defects using advanced X-ray tomography developed with CERN. some up to 2.2 mm deep