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Tag: Mission

  • The Jewish Sport Report: Orthodox college football player Sam Salz is on a mission to inspire

    The Jewish Sport Report: Orthodox college football player Sam Salz is on a mission to inspire

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    Happy Friday! In this week’s Jewish Sport Report, we profile Orthodox college football player Sam Salz, invite you to an exciting Jewish sports event next month and share hall of fame updates across multiple sports.

    Let’s dive right in.

    Inside Orthodox player Sam Salz’s historic college football debut — and his improbable path to the SEC

    Sam Salz

    Sam Salz is in his third season with the Texas A&M football team after walking on in 2022. (Rob Havens/Aggieland Illustrated)

    Before Nov. 16, Sam Salz had never played a snap of organized football. The 5-foot-6, 160-pound wide receiver grew up attending an Orthodox day school in Philadelphia that didn’t have a football team.

    But last Saturday night, Salz took the field for the first time with the Texas A&M Aggies, the No. 15-ranked team in Division I and a decorated program that plays in the elite Southeastern Conference.

    Salz walked me through his first taste of football, and what it meant to hear his name called for a play as the Aggies routed New Mexico State 38-3.

    “There’s probably a Jewish kid, and maybe even especially an Orthodox kid, who wants to play football, or wants to play sports, and is sitting somewhere confused about what he should do, or who’s told that he’ll never be able to do it,” Salz said. “Even getting to see me run down on that field, successful play or not, could have given him all the hope that he wanted.”

    Click here for Salz’s remarkable story.

    Halftime report

    COOPERSTOWN CALLING? Longtime second baseman and former Team Israel player-turned-manager Ian Kinsler is on the 2025 MLB Hall of Fame ballot, making him the first Jewish player to make the ballot since Kevin Youkilis in 2019. Kinsler is a 4-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner and 2018 World Series champion. Getting on the ballot is itself an accomplishment — even if his chances at making it to Cooperstown alongside the likes of fellow first-balloteer Ichiro Suzuki appear slim.

    DEFLATED. One prominent Jew who will definitely not be enshrined in a hall of fame in 2025 is New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who, according to ESPN, was not selected for the 2025 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Kraft, one of the league’s most influential owners and a six-time Super Bowl winner, failed to advance out of the hall’s nomination committee for the 13th time. Ralph Hay, a co-founder of the NFL, was chosen instead.

    HONORED. More on halls of fame! Former NHL star Mathieu Schneider was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in New York last weekend. Schneider, who scored 223 goals across 21 seasons in the league, said being a Jewish pro athlete “meant an awful lot to me.”

    LISTEN TO THIS. U.S. rugby bronze medalist Sarah Levy appeared on the Women of Reform Judaim’s “Just For This” podcast, which highlights women in leadership positions. Check out the interview here, and for a refresher, here’s our profile of Levy from this past summer.

    HOLDING COURT. The Israel Tennis and Education Centers Foundation raised half a million dollars at a fundraiser Tuesday in New York City to benefit the organization’s work supporting Israeli children across socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. The ITEC, which has more than 200 courts across Israel, has expanded its work since Oct. 7, 2023.

    Jews in sports to watch this weekend (all times ET)

    🏒 IN HOCKEY…

    Jakob Chychrun and the Washington Capitals host Jack and Luke Hughes and the New Jersey Devils Saturday at 7 p.m. Jason Zucker — who scored his 200th career goal Wednesday — and the Buffalo Sabres face Jake Walman, Luke Kunin and the San Jose Sharks Saturday at 8 p.m. Zach Hyman and the Edmonton Oilers host Adam Fox and the New York Rangers Saturday at 10 p.m.

    🏈 IN FOOTBALL…

    Michael Dunn’s Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 last night on “Thursday Night Football.” In the NCAA, Jake Retzlaff and No. 14 BYU face No. 21 Arizona State Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Sam Salz and Texas A&M play Auburn Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

    ⚽ IN SOCCER…

    Daniel Edelman and the New York Red Bulls face their crosstown rivals, New York City F.C., at Citi Field in the MLS conference semifinals on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. In European soccer, Matt Turner and his Premier League club Crystal Palace play Aston Villa Saturday at 10 a.m., and one level down, in the Championship, Manor Solomon and Leeds United take on Swansea Sunday at 10 a.m.

    🏀 IN BASKETBALL…

    Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers face the Houston Rockets tonight at 8 p.m. in the NBA Cup and Saturday at 8 p.m. in regular season play. Domantas Sabonis, who is converting to Judaism, and the Sacramento Kings play the Los Angeles Clippers tonight at 10:30 p.m. in the NBA Cup and host the Brooklyn Nets Sunday at 9 p.m. in regular play.

    ⛳ IN GOLF…

    Daniel Berger is competing in the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic tournament this weekend in Georgia.

    🏎 IN RACING…

    Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will be on the grid this weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Lights out at 1 a.m. on Sunday.

    Join us for an online event to mark the 75th anniversary of a remarkable Jewish basketball championship

    Event graphic

    On Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. ET, I will sit down (virtually) with Matthew Goodman, author of “The City Game: Triumph, Scandal, and a Legendary Basketball Team,” to discuss the 75th anniversary of the City College of New York’s extraordinary 1949-50 basketball championship — and the point-shaving scandal that rocked the sport in its aftermath.

    The CUNY Beavers, a team made up entirely of Jewish and African-American players at a time when the NBA was still segregated, became the only team in history to win the NIT and NCAA tournaments in the same year.

    Click here for more information and to register for our free online event.

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  • Christian Ponder’s Post-NFL Mission: A Clubhouse For Athletes

    Christian Ponder’s Post-NFL Mission: A Clubhouse For Athletes

    In the heart of a humid Manhattan summer, I found myself in a sleek, black-walled clubhouse, its modern decor exuding exclusivity, as a former NFL quarterback sat across from an Olympic soccer champion, their conversation echoing through the refined space. The question “Do you love to win or hate to lose?” still rattles in my brain. Yet the question was one every athlete in the audience could answer without hesitation (they all said winning is cool and all, but they really hate to lose).

    That fireside chat was one of many events hosted at this unique clubhouse for elite athletes, founded by former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, Christian Ponder.

    After six years in the NFL, Christian Ponder was no stranger to reinvention. Yet, after leaving professional football in 2017, he struggled to find purpose and community in traditional career paths, something he later learned was a commonality among elite athletes. His search for the elusive combination of people who would simultaneously connect with and challenge him, akin to what he experienced in the locker room, eventually led him to create something unique: The Post.

    This in person and virtual clubhouse is a community-driven platform connecting high-achieving athletes now thriving in the business world. With The Post, Ponder has built not only a network but a purpose-driven organization that offers structure, support, and camaraderie for athletes turned business professionals.

    The Journey to The Post

    Ponder’s transition from sports to business wasn’t straightforward. Born in Tampa and raised in Dallas, Ponder grew up in a sports-oriented household; his father played football at Florida State, and his mother was also an athlete, fostering his lifelong love for competition. While he initially dreamed of playing professional baseball, it was football that ultimately became his calling. He loved competing and the position of quarterback was the perfect fit for someone who likes being in control.

    He convinced his father to prepare a highlight tape, which Ponder sent to every single Division One school – over 100! The offers started coming in, and Ponder committed to his parents alma mater, Florida State University, as a quarterback.

    Ponder played throughout college where he studied finance, and got his MBA. He also started a second masters in sports management. His coach planted a seed in his head that he was good enough to play for the NFL. The fact that his coach believed in him gave Ponder a new found confidence, and a new goal to achieve.

    He worked out, watched film of previous games and worked day and night on his quarterback skills. “I was really driven,” shares Ponder. “I spent a lot of time working to improve.” He craved feedback, as he understood it was an opportunity for enhancement.

    It worked. He played in the senior bowl and was named MVP and ultimately made his goal of playing in the NFL.

    It was after an injury-riddled college career and six seasons in the NFL, Ponder found himself at a crossroads. Following his NFL career, Ponder experimented with finance and TV broadcasting, hoping to find a fulfilling post-football path. But the corporate world often lacked the values he cherished in sports: resilience, discipline, and teamwork. What he missed most was the sense of community he had in the locker room. Seeking camaraderie, he joined networking clubs like SoHo House, yet none provided the sense of belonging and support he was after. It was then he realized he could build the community he missed, creating a place for athletes transitioning into the business world—a platform that became The Post.

    Building a New Locker Room for Athletes in Business

    Launched in April 2023, The Post brings together former Division One, Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes who now lead in various industries. The Post targets individuals who have thrived in both sports and business, fostering a collaborative, ambitious environment. Unlike many networking platforms, members of The Post are rigorously selected based on their athletic and professional backgrounds, with applicants undergoing a scoring and interview process to ensure alignment with the community’s values.

    Upon acceptance, new members enter a “training camp” to set personal goals and chart their growth. They participate in a leadership and goal-setting workshop developed in partnership with the Motivate Lab at the University of Virginia. Each member is assigned to a “team” of 8-12 people, carefully chosen to provide accountability, support, and diverse perspectives, mirroring the teamwork Ponder experienced in football.

    A Community Focused on Personal and Professional Development

    The Post also hosts monthly workshops and speaker series on various professional development topics including communication, goal setting, and leadership, addressing the unique needs of athletes in business. Members gather at The Post’s clubhouse in NYC’s Flatiron District, a space designed for co-working, fireside chats, and networking events. Ponder emphasizes that this isn’t just a club for socializing—it’s a place where hard work, commitment, and continuous self-improvement are the price of admission.

    Expanding and Scaling The Post’s Vision

    Despite its recent launch, The Post has already grown to over 500 members across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including high-level professionals from 30 sports such as football, rowing, and tennis. Member athletes competed in the NCAA, NFL, NHL, WNBA, MLS, MLB, Olympics and Paralympics. About 47% of members are women, and the average age hovers around 40, with 60% holding VP-level or higher positions.

    Beyond regular events and workshops, The Post hosts an annual Summit—a three-day event filled with competitions, learning sessions, and networking, where no participation trophies are given. You need to earn your trophy. This emphasis on competition is no accident; Ponder believes it taps into the athlete’s drive to be better, fostering a culture of excellence.

    For Ponder, The Post is more than just a networking platform; it’s a community built on shared values of resilience, work ethic, and mutual support. As athletes transition into business, The Post provides the structure, accountability, and purpose that former players often miss after their careers end. In Ponder’s words, The Post “isn’t just about what you did on the field, but what you can do next.”

    Click here to learn more about membership at The Post.

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  • Gwalia United boss on a mission to turn the club into ‘a formidable force’ in women’s football

    Gwalia United boss on a mission to turn the club into ‘a formidable force’ in women’s football

    Fern Burrage-Male. Photo Monk’s Photography

    Fern Burrage-Male took over as manager of Cardiff City Ladies football team in October 2023. Since then the team has been rebranded as Gwalia United, and its co-owners Julian Jenkins and Damien Singh have outlined their ambition to take it to the top flight.

    Speaking ahead of Sunday’s FA Women’s Cup tie away to Swindon, in a Q&A with Nation.Cymru, Gwalia’s manager explains why she took the job, its biggest challenge and how she feels about the current state of women’s football in Wales.

    Nation.Cymru: What inspired you to take on the role of manager at Cardiff City Ladies, now Gwalia United?

    Burrage-Male: Honestly, I’ve always felt a deep connection with Cardiff City Ladies—this club has played a huge role in my life both as a player and now as a coach. The opportunity to take on the managerial role came quickly, and while it was unexpected, it felt right. I had spent years building teams and leading them at Pontypridd Town, and I knew I had something to offer.

    “But more than that, it was the belief in the players here that pushed me to step up. They are a fantastic group of women who deserve to be competing at the highest level possible, and I know I can help them get there.

    Ambition

    I’ve always been driven by a desire to see women’s football in Wales grow, and this role is an extension of that ambition. Cardiff City Ladies, now transitioning to Gwalia United, has immense potential, and I wanted to be the one to help unlock it.

    We were in a tough spot when I took over, and I saw the challenge as an opportunity to prove what we’re capable of. It’s not just about results for me, but about building something sustainable and empowering for the players. I want them to know that together, we can overcome any obstacle.

    Gwalia United. Photo Monk’s Photography

    Nation.Cymru: What has been your greatest challenge since taking over as manager?

    Burrage-Male: The biggest challenge, without a doubt, has been taking over mid-season when morale was low and results weren’t going our way. When you step into a team that’s struggling, there’s always this pressure to turn things around immediately, and that pressure was certainly felt here. One of the first things I focused on was rebuilding that confidence, both individually and collectively.

    Players like Chloe Lloyd and Ellie Sargent stepped up and became vital parts of our turnaround, but it wasn’t just about the big names. It was about making sure every player felt valued and understood their role.

    Resilience

    We had some tough games in February, but those wins didn’t just come from strategy—they came from heart, from a team that refused to give up. I’ve always believed that adversity breeds resilience, and this team showed that in abundance. It’s been a steep learning curve, but the progress we’ve made since I took over makes me incredibly proud, and I look forward into continuing this journey to success with Gwalia United.

    Nation.Cymru: How do you describe your coaching style and philosophy?

    Burrage-Male: My coaching style is rooted in positivity and empowerment. I believe in creating an environment where players feel valued, heard, and encouraged to express themselves both on and off the pitch. I prioritise open communication and trust; I want my players to know that I’m always here to support them. My philosophy is simple: I aim to develop not just skilled footballers, but well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a team setting.

    The girls at Gwalia are more than aware that they are lucky to be at the club at a period where the winds of change might blow behind them over the coming years and I feel privileged to be in a position where I can play a part to leading to success, hopefully on and off the field.

    My experience at Welsh Netball and Hockey Wales have provided me with unique insights that I can apply to my football coaching. Both sports require similar foundational principles, such as teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking. This crossover allows me to bring diverse perspectives to the table, enhancing my approach to coaching in both arenas.

    Nation.Cymru: What are your long-term goals for Gwalia United?

    Burrage-Male: My long-term goals for Gwalia United are ambitious but grounded in the reality of our potential. I want to establish the club as a formidable force in women’s football in Wales and beyond. We have a rich history and a dedicated fan base, and it’s crucial to build on that foundation. One of my primary objectives is to cultivate a winning culture where success is defined not just by trophies, but by the development of our players and the community we create.

    Fern Burrage-Male. Photo Monk’s Photography

    I envision Gwalia United competing consistently at the top of the FA Women’s National League over the coming season and then, hopefully, taking that difficult hop to higher leagues afterwards. To achieve this, we need to invest in our youth development, ensuring that we’re not just looking for immediate results but also nurturing the next generation of talent.

    I want our academy to be a pipeline for future stars of women’s football. The FAW have been exceptionally supportive of our ambitions and we are looking to develop ourselves as a strong Welsh beacon of elite performance in the English FA system that serves as a credible platform for Welsh women to aim for.

    Additionally, I’m committed to elevating the profile of women’s football in Wales. I believe that by consistently performing at a high level and engaging with our community, we can attract more supporters and sponsors, which is vital for our growth. The goal is to create an environment where every player feels they can achieve their dreams, and where our success inspires the next wave of female athletes.

    Nation.Cymru: How do you feel about the current state of women’s football in Wales?

    Burrage-Male: I feel incredibly optimistic about the current state of women’s football in Wales. There’s been a noticeable shift in recent years, with increased visibility and support for women’s sports. More fans are engaging with women’s football, and we’re seeing greater investment from both clubs and governing bodies. This momentum is exciting and is crucial for the long-term development of the game.

    Facilities

    However, while the progress is commendable, there’s still much work to be done. We need to continue pushing for better facilities, resources, and opportunities for women at all levels of the sport. Increasing participation in grassroots football is essential to ensure a strong pipeline of talent. Initiatives that promote young girls getting involved in football can have a significant impact on the future of our game.

    Moreover, I believe we must work collectively to challenge outdated perceptions about women’s football. It’s a fantastic sport filled with skilled athletes who deserve recognition and support.

    By sharing our success stories and showcasing the talent within our teams, we can continue to elevate the profile of women’s football in Wales. I’m proud to be part of this journey and excited for what the future holds for Gwalia United and women’s football as a whole.

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  • SpaceX launches rescue mission for 2 NASA astronauts who are stuck in space until next year

    SpaceX launches rescue mission for 2 NASA astronauts who are stuck in space until next year

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX launched a rescue mission for the two stuck astronauts at the International Space Station on Saturday, sending up a downsized crew to bring them home but not until next year.

    The capsule rocketed into orbit to fetch the test pilots whose Boeing spacecraft returned to Earth empty earlier this month because of safety concerns. The switch in rides left it to NASA’s Nick Hague and Russia’s Alexander Gorbunov to retrieve Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

    Since NASA rotates space station crews approximately every six months, this newly launched flight with two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams won’t return until late February. Officials said there wasn’t a way to bring them back earlier on SpaceX without interrupting other scheduled missions.

    By the time they return, the pair will have logged more than eight months in space. They expected to be gone just a week when they signed up for Boeing’s first astronaut flight that launched in June.

    NASA ultimately decided that Boeing’s Starliner was too risky after a cascade of thruster troubles and helium leaks marred its trip to the orbiting complex. The space agency cut two astronauts from this SpaceX launch to make room on the return leg for Wilmore and Williams.

    Williams has since been promoted to commander of the space station, which will soon be back to its normal population of seven. Once Hague and Gorbunov arrive this weekend, four astronauts living there since March can leave in their own SpaceX capsule. Their homecoming was delayed a month by Starliner’s turmoil.

    Hague noted before the flight that change is the one constant in human spaceflight.

    “There’s always something that is changing. Maybe this time it’s been a little more visible to the public,” he said.

    Hague was thrust into the commander’s job for the rescue mission based on his experience and handling of a launch emergency six years ago. The Russian rocket failed shortly after liftoff, and the capsule carrying him and a cosmonaut catapulted off the top to safety.

    Rookie NASA astronaut Zena Cardman and veteran space flier Stephanie Wilson were pulled from this flight after NASA opted to go with SpaceX to bring the stuck astronauts home. The space agency said both would be eligible to fly on future missions. Gorbunov remained under an exchange agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Agency.

    “I don’t know exactly when my launch to space will be, but I know that I will get there,” Cardman said from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where she took part in the launch livestream. Wilson joined her there for the early afternoon liftoff.

    Moments before liftoff, Hague paid tribute to his two colleagues left behind: “Unbreakable. We did it together.” Once in orbit, he called it a ”sweet ride” and thanked everyone who made it possible.

    Earlier, Hague acknowledged the challenges of launching with half a crew and returning with two astronauts trained on another spacecraft.

    “We’ve got a dynamic challenge ahead of us,” Hague said after arriving from Houston last weekend. “We know each other and we’re professionals and we step up and do what’s asked of us.”

    SpaceX has long been the leader in NASA’s commercial crew program, established as the space shuttles were retiring more than a decade ago. SpaceX beat Boeing in delivering astronauts to the space station in 2020 and it’s now up to 10 crew flights for NASA.

    Boeing has struggled with a variety of issues over the years, repeating a Starliner test flight with no one on board after the first one veered off course. The Starliner that left Wilmore and Williams in space landed without any issues in the New Mexico desert on Sept. 6, and has since returned to Kennedy Space Center. A week ago, Boeing’s defense and space chief was replaced.

    Delayed by Hurricane Helene pounding Florida, the latest SpaceX liftoff marked the first for astronauts from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX took over the old Titan rocket pad nearly two decades ago and used it for satellite launches, while flying crews from Kennedy’s former Apollo and shuttle pad next door. The company wanted more flexibility as more Falcon rockets soared.

    ___

    The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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  • Mission specialist for Titan sub owner to testify before Coast Guard

    Mission specialist for Titan sub owner to testify before Coast Guard

    A mission specialist for the company that owned the Titan submersible that imploded in 2023 is scheduled to testify before the U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday.

    Renata Rojas is the latest person to testify who is connected to Titan owner OceanGate after an investigatory panel has listened to two days of testimony that raised questions about the company’s operations before the doomed mission. OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush was among five people who died when the submersible imploded en route to the site of the Titanic wreck in June 2023.

    Earlier this month, the Coast Guard opened a public hearing that is part of a high-level investigation into the cause of the implosion. The public hearing began on Sept. 16 and some of the testimony has focused on the troubled nature of the company.

    During the hearing, former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge said he frequently clashed with Rush and felt the company was committed only to making money.

    “The whole idea behind the company was to make money,” Lochridge testified. “There was very little in the way of science.”

    Also expected to testify on Thursday is former OceanGate scientific director Steven Ross. The hearing is expected to run through Friday with more witnesses still to come.

    Lochridge and other witnesses have painted a picture of a company led by people who were impatient to get the unconventionally designed craft into the water. The deadly accident set off a worldwide debate about the future of private undersea exploration.

    Coast Guard officials noted at the start of the hearing that the submersible had not been independently reviewed, as is standard practice. That and Titan’s unusual design subjected it to scrutiny in the undersea exploration community.

    OceanGate, based in Washington state, suspended its operations after the implosion. The company has no full-time employees currently, but has been represented by an attorney during the hearing.

    During the submersible’s final dive on June 18, 2023, the crew lost contact after an exchange of texts about the Titan’s depth and weight as it descended. The support ship Polar Prince then sent repeated messages asking if the Titan could still see the ship on its onboard display.

    One of the last messages from Titan’s crew to Polar Prince before the submersible imploded stated, “all good here,” according to a visual recreation presented earlier in the hearing.

    When the submersible was reported missing, rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to an area about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Four days later, wreckage of the Titan was subsequently found on the ocean floor about 330 yards (300 meters) off the bow of the Titanic, Coast Guard officials said. No one on board survived.

    OceanGate said it has been fully cooperating with the Coast Guard and NTSB investigations since they began. The Titan had been making voyages to the Titanic wreckage site going back to 2021.

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  • A robot resumes mission to retrieve a piece of melted fuel from inside a damaged Fukushima reactor

    A robot resumes mission to retrieve a piece of melted fuel from inside a damaged Fukushima reactor

    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.

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