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An extendable robot on Tuesday resumed its entry into one of three damaged reactors at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to retrieve a fragment of melted fuel debris, nearly three weeks after its earlier attempt was suspended due to a technical issue.

The collection of a tiny sample of the spent fuel debris from inside of the Unit 2 reactor marks the start of the most challenging part of the decadeslong decommissioning of the plant where three reactors were destroyed in the March 11, 2011, magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

The sample-return mission, initially scheduled to begin on Aug. 22, was suspended when workers noticed that a set of five 1.5-meter (5-foot) add-on pipes to push in and maneuver the robot were in the wrong order and could not be corrected within the time limit for their radiation exposure, the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said.

The pipes were to be used to push the robot inside and pull it back out when it finished. Once inside the vessel, the robot is operated remotely from a safer location.

The robot, nicknamed “telesco," can extend up to about 22 meters (72 feet), including the pipes pushing it from behind, to reach its target area to collect a fragment from the surface of the melted fuel mound using a device equipped with tongs that hang from the of the robot.

The mission to obtain the fragment and return with it is to last about two weeks.

The mix-up, which TEPCO called a “basic mistake,” triggered disappointment and raised concerns from officials and local residents. Industry Minister Ken Saito ordered TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa a thorough investigation of the cause and preventive steps before resuming the mission.

The pipes were brought into the Unit 2 reactor building and pre-arranged at the end of July by workers from the robot's prime contractor and its subsidiary, but their final status was never checked until the problem was found.

TEPCO concluded the mishap was caused by a lack of attention, checking and communication between the operator and workers on the ground. By Monday, the equipment was reassembled in the right order and ready for a retrial, the company said.

The goal of the operation is to bring back less than 3 grams (0.1 ounce) of an estimated 880 tons of fatally radioactive molten fuel that remain in three reactors. The small sample will provide key data to develop future decommissioning methods and necessary technology and robots, experts say.

The government and TEPCO are sticking to a 30 to 40-year cleanup target set soon after the meltdown, despite criticism it is unrealistic. No specific plans for the full removal of the melted fuel debris or its storage have been decided.

The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West, and this year we had another record-breaking number of entrants of the highest level across all categories. These urban hotels are the 2024 winners of the Where to Stay: City Stays category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here.

Austin Proper Hotel and Residences in downtown Austin’s Second Street District is the most stylish addition to the city’s lodging offerings. With maximalist luxe interiors by Kelly Wearstler, restaurants serving Turkish cuisine, a poolside Mexican seafood spot, vinyl bar, and a sunken cocktail lounge exclusive to guests, this is an immersive experiential retreat as much as it is a hotel.

Drift Palm Springs brings a taste of Baja to the Southern California desert. Located steps away from downtown Palm Springs shops and dining, it offers spacious suites with full kitchens and mountain views. Relax by the pool or dine at Maleza, an upscale Baja-inspired restaurant known for its unique mezcal tastings and smart takes on modern Mexican food. Grab one of the complimentary bikes or yoga mats to get some movement in, or kick back for the regular live music sessions, which locals love to drop in on too. A welcome addition to Palm Springs.

Thompson Denver in the LoDo neighborhood is a buzzy home base for exploring the city. Home to Chez Maggy by Chef Ludo Lefebvre, and Reynard Social, a rooftop bar with seasonal cocktails, the hotel also provides curated wellness programs, while the adventure concierge tailors custom itineraries, making it a premier choice for a stylish and immersive stay.

At the nexus of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, you’ll find the first hotel project from renowned restaurateur Sam Fox. This meticulously curated 141-room hotel seamlessly fuses international influences and local charm. It’s a veritable feast for the senses with five unique dining venues, each of which showcases flavors from around the world. Here, architectural elegance harmonizes with Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes, and it’s hard to go wrong no matter which venue you choose, but you don’t want to miss sunset on the stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of Camelback Mountain.

Envisioned by design maven Kelly Wearstler, this historic Broadway Corridor hotel was once a social club and YWCA. Now, it boasts unique offerings like the Pool Suite, with a 35-foot indoor pool, and the Basketball Court Suite with an indoor court that nods to the building’s sporting past. To fuel up after some fun, tuck into dishes from chef Suzanne Goin at Caldo Verde and rooftop oasis Cara Cara, or indulge in botanical-inspired cocktails at intimate lounge Dahlia.

Caesars Palace remains the iconic Las Vegas Strip resort, layering OG Vegas vibes with modern luxury, including the world’s first Nobu Hotel. Highlights include diverse dining options, QuavBaths & Spa, Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, and extensive entertainment at The Colosseum. Opened in 1966, Caesars Palace continues to set the standard with celebrity chefs, premier shopping, and top-notch gaming and nightlife. Where else can you see Adele or Garth Brooks, eat the best sushi in the desert, and have a world-class Singapore Sling in the Lobby Bar?

The Aster in Hollywood’s Vinyl District combines a chic workspace, boutique hotel, and social hideaway. The 35-room adults-only hotel is an urban utopia. The rooms are some of the biggest bang for buck in Hollywood, with private balconies and spacious sitting areas. Guests have access to amenities like a restaurant, lounge, pool, and fitness center, and can partake in The Aster’s social club. With a rooftop restaurant and lounge with sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, it’s the ideal retreat for industry creatives.

CH Projects—known for its popular San Diego restaurants including Polite Provisions, Ironside Fish & Oyster, and Raised by Wolves—purchased the former Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club and gave it a not-so-accidentally-Wes-Anderson overhaul, complete with grand art deco adornments that nod to its bones, which date back to 1946. True to CHP form, food and drink are at the forefront, with multiple era-themed concepts, including a vintage bowling alley and a banger of a 50s diner. (You need to order the banana bread pudding French toast.) One could truly make a weekend of simply staying on property.

This story was originally published on sunset.com. You can read it here. Check out all the winners of the 2024 Sunset Awards here.