General Atomics' DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego has achieved a significant milestone by completing its 200,000th plasma shot in the pursuit of harnessing nuclear fusion as a clean energy source. Richard Buttery, the facility's director, expressed optimism about the progress, stating that fusion technology is finally within reach. The facility, operated by General Atomics for the U.S. Department of Energy, serves as a leading research center where scientists and engineers explore fusion technology using a tokamak chamber surrounded by powerful electromagnets. The aim is to create a star on Earth by fusing hydrogen isotopes at high temperatures to release energy. The difference between nuclear fusion and fission was highlighted, with fusion offering the potential for vast amounts of carbon-free electricity without long-lived nuclear waste or meltdown risks. Despite historical challenges and the long-standing joke that fusion is always 30 years away, recent advancements, including an eight-month upgrade at DIII-D, have renewed hopes for commercial fusion energy production. Private investments in fusion research have surged, with over $7.1 billion invested in fusion companies globally. The increasing attention and funding from private investors, including commercial entities like NVIDIA, indicate a growing interest in fusion technology. Countries like China are also heavily investing in fusion, with the potential for rapid advancements in the field. The U.S. Energy Department aims to demonstrate an operating fusion pilot plant by the 2030s, showcasing an aggressive timeline for fusion technology development. Zabrina Johal from General Atomics expressed confidence in the progress, anticipating a fusion pilot plant within the next 10 to 15 years and subsequent commercial energy production. The article highlights the optimism and momentum in the fusion research community, suggesting that the dream of commercial fusion energy may soon become a reality.