Sustained-Burn Milestone

Sustaining a D-³He burn at the design operating point is the milestone that tests the load-bearing confinement questions.

Holding the burn

After first plasma, the decisive test is sustaining a D-³He burn at, or near, the design operating point — the plug confining the central cell at feasible β, the configuration stable, and the reaction proceeding. This milestone directly tests the open confinement and magnetic-well questions.

This is where MetroVolt’s physics is confirmed or revised. A sustained burn at the intended conditions would be the strongest evidence the design point is real; a shortfall in confinement or stability would send specific, measured feedback into the models and the design.

Why this is the crux

Everything downstream — direct energy conversion, net electric, firm power — assumes a sustained burn. Confirming it converts the load-bearing physics gates from open to measured. It is the milestone most likely to either validate the concept or force a redesign.

• Tests the load-bearing plug and stability questions directly.
• Pass validates the design point; shortfall drives redesign.
• Prerequisite for any DEC and net-electric result.