US fusion strategy stuck in past as China moves ahead, CEO warns

During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union competed across nearly every arena, including space. 

The rivalry shifted dramatically on Oct. 4, 1957, when the U.S.S.R. launched Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite, officially ushering in the Space Age. Nearly 70 years later, the U.S. is facing a new technological race over fusion energy, and one CEO is warning Washington could be headed for another "Sputnik moment" as China accelerates.

"Fusion is at an inflection point,"...