Image of the week

Scaffolding removed, details revealed

The weather service had forecast a snowfall. What we got instead was gorgeous late afternoon light revealing every detail of the spectacular structure facing our windows.
Most the scaffolding visible from ITER Headquarters has been removed and we can now clearly see two of the three cargo lift openings for the cask and plug remote handling system at the lower levels of the structure (centre left). To the right a large rectangular opening has been reserved for installation activities related to the neutral beam injection system. Further to the right, another smaller opening will serve the same purpose.
 
At the top of the concrete structure, a fourth cargo lift opening is being prepared (centre) and temporary structures, looking like oversized diving boards, have been installed to assist in the lifting operation for the temporary lid of the bioshield. In March, the lid will be raised from its current location to the top of the bioshield to create a protected work area below.