Robot begins mission to retrieve melted fuel from Fukushima plant

Remote-controlled device enters reactor to assess conditions

After years of preparation, a robot has begun a two-week mission to retrieve melted fuel from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

The remote-controlled device, known as the "Snake Robot," entered the Unit 2 reactor on Monday, July 18, 2023. It is the first time a robot has been able to reach the highly radioactive area since the plant was crippled by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

The mission is a critical step in the decommissioning of the plant, which has been plagued by leaks and other problems since the disaster. If successful, the Snake Robot will provide valuable information about the condition of the melted fuel and help engineers develop a plan to remove it safely.

Challenges of the mission

The mission is extremely challenging, as the Snake Robot must navigate through highly radioactive and unstable conditions. The robot is also equipped with a variety of sensors to measure radiation levels, temperature, and other conditions inside the reactor.

The robot is being operated remotely by engineers from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The JAEA has been developing the Snake Robot for several years, and it has undergone extensive testing in simulated conditions.

Importance of the mission

The success of the mission is critical for the decommissioning of the Fukushima plant. If the Snake Robot is able to retrieve melted fuel, it will provide valuable information that will help engineers develop a plan to remove the rest of the fuel safely.

The mission is also important for the future of nuclear power in Japan. If the JAEA is able to successfully retrieve the melted fuel, it will demonstrate that it is possible to safely decommission nuclear power plants after an accident.

Conclusion

The mission of the Snake Robot is a major milestone in the decommissioning of the Fukushima nuclear plant. If successful, the mission will provide valuable information that will help engineers develop a plan to remove the rest of the melted fuel safely. The mission is also important for the future of nuclear power in Japan, as it will demonstrate that it is possible to safely decommission nuclear power plants after an accident.