Fabrication Phase of the Ignitor Program*

The fabrication phase of the complete Ignitor machine has started by identifying at first the main industrial groups that have the capabilities to construct the main components of the machine. The ``translation'' of the drawings of the detailed design into fabrication drawings has been undertaken reconsidering the results of the structural analysis that has been carried out for all the machine elements. A special attention is being devoted to the robotic systems that have to be able to perform different functions during the final assembly of the machine and for its operation. The management structure necessary to carry out the entire fabrication effort has been established. The Italian Space Agency (A.S.I.) has been charged with the task of administrating the funds allocated for the construction of the core of the machine by the Italian government. *Sponsored in part by the U.S. DOE.