The project has reached several key milestones since the last newsletter. Among the many achievements, I would like to highlight here the celebrations for the successful validation of the CERN MQXFB quadrupole improvement plan and the successful validation of the first two magnets destined for direct installation in the tunnel (MQXFB03 and MQXFB04), the delivery to CERN of the first AUP cold-mass assembly for installation in the IT-String, and the successful validation of the complete superconducting link prototype system – including the DFX and DFHX feedboxes produced in collaboration with the Universities of Southampton and Uppsala as part of the UK and Swedish in-kind contributions.
Most HL-LHC contributions are by now in full series production mode. Following delays with the original industrial partner in Spain, the production of the nested triplet dipole corrector magnets underwent a re-organization of production, with the coil winding proceeding at CIEMAT in Spain and the magnet assembly now taking place at CERN.
The focus of work changes now towards the installation of the cold powering components in the IT-String, which enters centre-stage in 2024, and plans for the first operation period in 2025. The infrastructure installation and validation of all warm powering components and the cryogenic distribution system in the SM18 test facility at CERN is close to completion and the second half of 2024 will see the installation of the superconducting link, its feedboxes, and first magnets.
The project office is currently preparing for the eighth Cost & Schedule Review (C&SR), planned for November 2024. Following the request of the CERN Council, the project has agreed with the CERN management to organize the C&SRs since 2022 on an annual basis, initially planning for an alternation between a full review of the complete project with a lighter review that focuses only on key aspects and technologies of the projects. Following the first Light Review implementation in 2022, the 2023 Cost & Schedule Review was again a full review of the project and 2024 should naturally feature a light review. However, observing that 2024 will mark one of the last years with adjudications of large contracts, CERN management decided to prepare the 2024 C&SR installment again as a full review.
Last but not least, the annual Collaboration Meeting for this year is being prepared again as an in-person meeting in Genoa, Italy, marking the completion of the MgB2 wire production and the successful start of the D2 magnet series production at ASG in Genoa. I very much look forward to seeing all of you there to discuss the status of the project and the progress of our collaboration.