Blast-Off Breakthroughs: Fusion Lasers, Space Feats & Tech Triumphs in Weekend Roundup (July 19–20, 2025)
SpaceX launched 24 Starlink satellites from California on July 18, bringing the active constellation to nearly 8,000. Raytheon delivered OCX GPS control software to the U.S. Space Force. Senate appropriators voted to restore funding for NASA Earth science and exploration missions in the 2026 budget. China unveiled a fusion laser facility in Mianyang, about 50% larger than the U.S. National Ignition Facility.
