OpenStar Demonstrates Levitated Magnet Fusion Milestone
On Feb. 18, 2026, New Zealand start-up OpenStar Technologies successfully floated a half-tonne superconducting magnet inside a 5‑meter vacuum chamber of plasma heated above one million degrees Celsius, demonstrating levitation central to its levitated dipole fusion design. The prototype Junior, costing under $10 million, is not yet net-energy producing but proves engineering viability and paves a roadmap toward larger Tahi, Maui and Tama Nui prototypes targeting commercial output.
Key Points
- 1Demonstrates levitation of a half-tonne superconducting magnet inside million-degree plasma confinement.
- 2Validates levitated dipole reactor approach as an engineering-feasible alternative to complex tokamaks.
- 3Enables faster, cheaper scaling path with planned prototypes aiming for neutrons and megawatt output.
Scoring Rationale
Credible, industry-relevant prototype demonstration with clear scaling roadmap; limited by early-stage results and unproven net-energy production timelines.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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