Introduction of EAST Project --- Mission and Progress

\textbf{EAST} is an \textbf{E}xperimental \textbf{A}dvanced\textbf{ S}uperconducting \textbf{T}okamak approved in 1997. \textbf{Main parameters}: B$_{t}$=3.5 T, R$_{0}$= 1.75 m, I$_{p}$= 1MA, a= 0.4m, (b/a)= 1$\sim $2 with the flexibility of double and single null divertor, P$_{LHCD}$= 3.5 $\sim $ 4 MW, P$_{ICRH}$= 3 $\sim $ 4 MW, P$_{ECRH}$= 0.5MW and pulse long will be 1000 s. For the second phase T$_{c}$ on SC magnet will decrease from 4.2 K to 3.8 K and then B$_{t }$= 4.0 T, I$_{p }$= 1.5MA, the power for heating and CD will increase further. \textbf{Characteristics:} ``D'' shape TF and both TF and PF are SC; PF coil each has own PS to be able to produce double or single null diverter; The vacuum chamber has double-layer and can be cooling, heating and shielding of neutron; Changeable interior components included in: first wall;diverter; internal feeadback control coils and all magnetic measuring systems; CW LHCD, ICRH and NBI in second phase. \textbf{Mission:} Investigate 1) both physics and technology bases of SSO advanced tokamak included in: full ST and un-transformer start-up operation; the control technology included avoiding or mitigation of disruption for SSO; CW heating included simulated $\alpha $ particle heating and CW CD; 2) the power and particle handle with diverters under SSO;3) advanced (higher $\beta$ and $\tau$) model under SSO. \textbf{Progress:}1) Final assembly completed at end of 2005. 2) The engineering commissioning has been done successfully at early of 2006. Both TF and PF were cooling down to 4.5-5 K and then charged successfully. 3) The first plasma will be obtained around August--September of 2006. The results will be given.