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