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.