Electrothermal-chemical (ETC) gun

Greek engineer starts E-layer field reversal concept. Earliest compact torus conception. Presented at 1958 Geneva.

U.S. high-altitude nuclear tests provide empirical data on high-beta plasma stability and diamagnetic cavity formation in the Earth's magnetic field.

The Astron experiment established the field-reversed configuration geometry that prefigured modern FRC research.

Pulsed power technology begins rapid development, supported by the Atomic Energy Commission and Defense Nuclear Agency for radiation source testing.

H. Alfven and colleagues publish the technique for magnetized co-axial plasma sources, which later forms the basis for the CTX experiment.

A 1.4-megaton detonation at 400km altitude creates a massive high-beta plasma fireball, demonstrating stable macroscopic plasma structures on a geophysical scale.

Project ORION is terminated primarily for political reasons, ending early research into external pulsed plasma propulsion despite promising technical results.

Early declassified work on magnetized plasma shields for aerospace vehicles.

J.B. Taylor publishes the relaxation principle, establishing that spheromak plasmas minimize magnetic energy while conserving helicity.

Kenneth F. McKenna reports on basic plasma physics and advanced concepts using the Scylla I-C linear theta pinch at Los Alamos.