Softening the task: an affordable approach to magnetic fusion power

The current approach to the development of fusion energy through tokamaks deals with a stepwise program, conceiving large experiments of increasing complexity. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project needs some revision in order to survive. Two possible strategies to fix this situation are examined. New possible solutions for the international fusion strategy are examined, dealing with the abolition of the breeding blanket technology, and the pursuit of alternative fusion fuel cycles. The shortcut to fusion power may be represented by splitting ITER into simpler devices: a plasma physics experiment aimed at reaching and studying ignition, a materials testing device, and a long plasma burning experiment The inclusion in the fusion energy program of the lgnitor experiment is recommended. A brief description of the machine shows its good characteristics to become the first fusion experiment to reach ignition.