China to test it's 'artificial sun'

OK, I'm not positive what's involved here, but this sounds like we are talking high energy physics stuff here.  Plasma, as I understand it is a fourth state of matter.  Discharge is generally not something that is good.  Maybe the plasma, once relesed will stop being in that state.  It's unclear what volume of sea water would be required to cool said superheated material.  This should be exciting.  The scientists may recieve letal doses of Radiation, but immagine the stories you'd be able to share.

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http://upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060724-065917-5783r

NewsTrack - Science
China to test its 'artificial sun'

BEIJING, July 24 (UPI) -- The first plasma discharge from China's experimental advanced superconducting research center -- the so-called "artificial sun" -- is set to occur next month.

The discharge, expected about Aug. 15, will be conducted at Science Island in Hefei, in east China's Anhui Province, the Peoples Daily reported Monday.

Scientists told the newspaper a successful test will mean the world's first nuclear fusion device of its kind will be ready to go into actual operation, the newspaper said.

The plasma discharge will draw international attention since some scientists are concerned with risks involved in such a process. But Chinese researchers involved in the project say any radiation will cease once the test is completed.

The experiment will take place in a structure made of reinforced concrete, with five-foot-thick walls and a three-foot-thick roof.