"Construction started in 1997 but was fraught with problems and ran into a series of delays that greatly slowed progress into the early 2000s. Progress since then has been much smoother, but compared to initial estimates, NIF is five years behind schedule and almost four times more expensive than budgeted. By August 2007, 96 of the lasers of 192 had been completed and commissioned, with a further 48 of 144 nearing completion.

As of Feb 2009, construction was unofficially completed. The first target experiments with all 192 lasers is expected in May 2009, and a dedication ceremony is scheduled for May 29. Ignition is expected by 2010."

Its price of over $4 billion and its role in nuclear weapon research have made it a controversial project.