Report of panel 1: The appropriate scope and mission of ITER

This panel looked at the mission of ITER, and how the US should address the present plans, and considers a number of alternative plans to arrive at the eventual goals of ITER. The panel considered three major approaches which have been discussed on the international scale, and tries to present the strengths, weaknesses, and possible changes to these plans. It suggests that any of these plans can arrive at the eventual aim, but may involve differing risks and time commitments. All plans involve ITER design studies, development work on technologies which must be in place for ITER design to succeed, and testing of materials and components for application in the device.