Fusion research is closer than ever to building a star on Earth.

China's EAST reactor reportedly surpassed the Greenwald plasma density limit, and private investment in fusion rose from about $1.5 billion (2016–2020) to nearly $9 billion (2021–2025).

Scientists report a string of recent advances in fusion research that are bringing sustained plasma experiments closer to demonstration. Tokamak reactors around the world have extended plasma duration and researchers are tackling materials and control challenges in parallel. The ITER project has advanced assembly, with the sixth and final module of its central solenoid arriving in France. Investment and institutional efforts have increased alongside new tools such as AI for plasma control and modeling. Key developments: - China's EAST reactor reportedly exceeded the Greenwald plasma density limit this month. - WEST, KSTAR, and EAST have set records for extended plasma duration in recent years. - ITER received the sixth and final module of its central solenoid in September as part of assembling its main magnet. - MIT announced the Laboratory for Materials in Nuclear Technologies (LMNT) in June 2025 to study materials for fusion reactors. - Private investment in fusion rose from about $1.5 billion (2016–2020) to nearly $9 billion (2021–2025), according to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. Summary: These developments narrow some technical gaps and concentrate work on materials, control systems, and large-scale engineering needed for steady operation. Significant technical, materials, and economic challenges remain before commercial fusion is achievable. Undetermined at this time.