In summary, over 20 years of SUNIST(Fig. 19) operations are drawing to a limited use. While future research will transition to an educational focus, the substantial advances in ST physics and technology stand as a remarkable legacy. The knowledge and skills gained will carry on to the planned cutting-edge exploration of plasmas on SUNIST-2.
Update (2026). The outlook in this chapter was written in 2022. SUNIST-2 achieved first plasma on 12 March 2023, has since reached a plasma current of 480 kA, and is now in its fourth operating year — see the SUNIST-2 page.
From SUNIST to SUNIST-2
The knowledge and skills gained from two decades of SUNIST operation carry on to the planned exploration of plasmas on SUNIST-2.