Project History
2020, November – The US Department of Energy (DOE) approved Critical Decision-1 (CD-1): Alternative Selection and Cost Range, marking the beginning of preliminary design and approval to spend construction funds.
2020, January – The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Second Target Station (STS) First Experiments report was issued.
2019, December – ORNL hosted a Science at the Second Target Station (STS) Workshop.
2019, October – Dedicated STS Project Office established.
2017, April – Expert’s panel reviewed and confirmed the selection of major STS technical alternatives: 15 Hz pulse repetition rate, 700 kW proton beam power, short pulse options.
2016, June – A DOE advisory committee recommended ORNL convene an expert’s panel to evaluate STS design parameters and to work with the research community to develop a compelling set of first experiments.
2016, January – Initiated STS conceptual design activities.
2015, October – Workshop organized by the SNS and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) User Group, bringing the science community together to further develop the STS science case.
2013, 2014 – Grand Challenge workshops were held across the US, collecting the science community’s input on emerging science needs that require research using neutrons. Input helped shape the science case. A technical design report describing the subsystem preconceptual design approaches was written.
2013 – A DOE advisory committee noted that the proposed STS at SNS is “absolutely central” to US leadership in science but had significant scientific/engineering challenges to resolve.
2011, 2012 – ORNL conducted a study on optimizing neutron scattering at three ORNL facilities and developed the concept for a compact source coupled to a high-brightness moderator for STS.
2009 – DOE approved Critical Decision-0 (CD-0), acknowledging the scientific need for a Second Target Station (STS) at SNS.
2007 – ORNL conducted a study to investigate the possibility of a Second Target Station (STS) for SNS. DOE issued the Interim Report on Facilities for the Future of Science, identifying the need for an SNS power upgrade and the STS.
2002 – The National Science Foundation commissioned a study of a Second Target Station (STS) for SNS.
1999 - Environmental Impact Statement for SNS included a Second Target Station (STS).
1996 – A DOE advisory committee recommended that SNS be designed to eventually operate at a significantly higher power and include additional target stations.