First Light Fusion breaks another nuclear fusion record with electric gun [Video]

UK-based energy technology startup First Light Fusion (First Light) has announced a breakthrough for its novel nuclear fusion technology. A spin-off from the University of Oxford, First Light has successfully tested its “electric gun” to ignite fuel in its test reactor’s core.

This milestone, announced just weeks after another breakthrough at its American test facility, brings sustainable nuclear fusion closer to reality. By using this electric gun, the company has managed to increase the distance its reaction-starting projectile travels by a factor of 10.

Previously the company used a pulsed power machine to electromagnetically launch projectiles. This allowed them to achieve a maximum standoff distance of 1cm.

“The major milestone will help solve one of the key engineering challenges in designing a projectile fusion …