Robot Probe , Successfully Investigates Inside Damaged, Fukushima Reactor.<br />Yahoo reports that a remote-controlled robot probe <br />has successfully captured images of the most <br />damaged reactor at the Fukushima nuclear plant. .<br />Yahoo reports that a remote-controlled robot probe <br />has successfully captured images of the most <br />damaged reactor at the Fukushima nuclear plant. .<br />In 2011, a massive earthquake and <br />tsunami damaged the plant's cooling systems, <br />causing three reactor meltdowns.<br />Yahoo reports that most of the reactors' <br />highly-radioactive fuel fell to the <br />bottom of their containment vessels. .<br />The removal of this fuel is extremely difficult, with officials claiming that it could take 30 to 40 years. .<br />According to Yahoo, critics call <br />those estimates overly optimistic. .<br />Approximately 900 tons of melted nuclear <br />fuel reportedly remains inside the <br />plant's three damaged reactors. .<br />Approximately 900 tons of melted nuclear <br />fuel reportedly remains inside the <br />plant's three damaged reactors. .<br />On February 8, the first robot probe <br />descended into the Unit 1 reactor since 2017.<br />Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company <br />Holdings (TEPCO) said that additional probes will be conducted after the results of the first have been analyzed. .<br />Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company <br />Holdings (TEPCO) said that additional probes will be conducted after the results of the first have been analyzed. .<br />Yahoo reports that the investigation aims to measure fuel mounds, create 3-D maps and analyze isotopes and their radioactivity. .<br />Yahoo reports that the investigation aims to measure fuel mounds, create 3-D maps and analyze isotopes and their radioactivity. .<br />Officials say the results of those tests will be key <br />in developing a strategy for the safe removal of the <br />melted fuel and the reactor's eventual decommissioning. .<br />Officials say the results of those tests will be key <br />in developing a strategy for the safe removal of the <br />melted fuel and the reactor's eventual decommissioning.
