The Manhattan project took place over about 5 years. The US has been investigating fusion since at least the 40s.
ITER is also an international effort, funded by 36 countries, not just the US. The US also withdrew from funding it for 6 years in 2000 so I don't know what its total involvement will be, but so far it will be well short of its involvement in the Manhattan project.
I agree that the money that should be invested in fusion shouldn't all be spent on a single approach though.
ITER is also an international effort, funded by 36 countries, not just the US. The US also withdrew from funding it for 6 years in 2000 so I don't know what its total involvement will be, but so far it will be well short of its involvement in the Manhattan project.
I agree that the money that should be invested in fusion shouldn't all be spent on a single approach though.