Presently (as on 23/02/04), SST-1 is in advanced state of assembly. All the 16 superconducting TF coils and 9 out of 16 vessel segments have been erected. The bottom set of PF coils (except invessel coils) have been put in place. For the latest picturesclick here.

We are heading fast towards the Phase-1 campaign in June 2004. In this phase, all the TF coils would be cooled down to 4K and short pulsed plasma discharges of Ip~60 kA and 100 milliseconds duration would be taken. This phase is aimed for testing of the crucial components like the TF and
PF coils and the vessel. The vessel segments would be only tag-welded, so that if required,  a TF coil can be removed for repair opening the corresponding vessel segment. The vessel and the cryostat would be differentially pumped to required pressure. Only the VF coil would be used for required vertical field in this phase. However, all the superconducting PF coils would also be tested. Once the performance of the coils is found satisfactory, the vessel segments would be welded, the invessel coils would be  wound in situ and the first wall components (Passive stabilizers, Divertor plates) put in place. Then the next phase of operations with full plasma parameters  would commence.