en-us http://www.keithwatanabe.net/index.php Keith Watanabe's Website http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/8/4/ccd8753ab2db14804ded40eff7ca7adc.html
I'm a huge believer that constantly updated content equals an increase in the public's potential interest in material (as well as the distribution of that content through forms of syndication like RSS feeds via bloggers like myself). When the content of a website is left unchanged, there is absolutely no reason for the public to return, thus being able to spark interest in a topic. With NASA and this site, I think they need to put an equal amount of effort in journalism to stimulate the interest of the public at large, rather than being these scientists who are a bit introverted with their thoughts.

Even if no concrete, critical updates are being made on a daily basis, blogs or small news items on discoveries or thought processes are very much appreciated. This helps providing the stimulus for the public to want to learn more about what goes on with groups like NASA, especially for tantalizing programs like the Mars exploration missions.

Of course, that's not to say that all facets of their website are like this. However, I do personally believe that Mars is a real critical point in mankind's future and that part of NASA's duty to the world is to create interest to help push the public in asking the government to divert their tax money towards such programs. People seem to react more towards an issue like a faulty bridge where tons of finger pointing go on, as opposed to something progressive and cool like a Mars probe being successfully launched. It's really disconcerting for me seeing this type of thing take place in society.]]> Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:34:14 -0600 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/8/4/ccd8753ab2db14804ded40eff7ca7adc.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/10/4/d55c327bc68065d44caa85ef36a6c27a.html
1) Returning to the Moon by 2020. I think this date is preposterous and too far into the future. To me, I feel that other countries, most notably China, India and possibly even Japan, will already accomplish this feat sooner. NASA needs to be far more aggressive with this date. By this time, NASA should not only have returned to the Moon, but they also should have several outposts/habitats.
2) Sending larger payloads to the Moon ahead of time. I think if NASA isn't ready to send large troves of people by this period, then definitely they'll need to haul fair sized payloads to the Moon. Hopefully, NASA plans redundancy in case of failure. When sending payloads, NASA should consider city-like visions in terms of the planning involved here. My considerations for handling this would be focusing on launch pads, mining tools, raw materials for future development, mass quantities of non-perishable food. They really need to consider future, fast expansion here.
3) The whole "step-in" spacesuits. This looks like a flatout idiotic concept. It's far too risky, although what's seems to be the theme here is cost savings and space reduction. Don't skimp on the cost if it means preserving lives.

I hope that the architects re-consider these plans. It seems like they're just fudging with a limited budget rather than planning something practical. Kinda sad, really.]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2007 07:43:04 -0600 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/10/4/d55c327bc68065d44caa85ef36a6c27a.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/10/25/3ec2319d304fd9ff1182d3d36c6052fd.html
Regardless, I'm hoping that everything goes well with the mission and that NASA and the other space agencies around the world can complete this thing by 2010.

Have a safe trip home, boys!]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:02:56 -0600 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/10/25/3ec2319d304fd9ff1182d3d36c6052fd.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/11/9/52871fee34ec476edf98e4a0bf921fef.html Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:14:09 -0700 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/11/9/52871fee34ec476edf98e4a0bf921fef.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/11/20/f1e53d8da3f6955962d4a84e9d092cc5.html
However, I started to think that perhaps NASA and/or future space station construction projects might try something new. Like automatic bolting. Imagine something like a Lego set, except that the pegs inflate inside another module and bolts automatically screw in airtight to the module. From there, power and cables would have some sort of interface that just "snaps" in, once the outer shell is connected, sealed and confirmed for zero leakage.

EIther way, it'll be cool seeing the next series of modules hooked up to the ISS, namely the Japanese Kibo module and the European Columbus module going out only in a few weeks. From what I understand, these modules will also increase occupancy as well as provide for future science endeavors. It'd be neat to see what kind of facilties these modules may include. But that's being saved up in the next few months.]]> Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:34:23 -0700 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/11/20/f1e53d8da3f6955962d4a84e9d092cc5.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/12/5/a41e39317a332ee8cb93e5b13c80e481.html
Right now, there's a very aggressive installation schedule for NASA and the ISS as the deadline for the shuttle's 2010 decomission is impending. But at the same it's kinda cool seeing this aggressive schedule as you can see remarkable progress on the ISS with massive growth, especially now with the other international sections coming together finally. After the ESA's Columbus module is installed, Japan's Kibo module is next in line.

Whichever way, I wish the best of luck to the Shuttle and ISS crew and for a safe, successful journey to make the world proud of the progress of humanity in space.]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2007 08:31:57 -0700 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2007/12/5/a41e39317a332ee8cb93e5b13c80e481.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/1/12/3224236ba67273b0459c02e63f17eed0.html Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:34:20 -0700 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/1/12/3224236ba67273b0459c02e63f17eed0.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/2/7/5feedd76546d5679a547bfc09884b63f.html NASA and the European Space Agency as Atlantis heads towards the ISS. This mission has been delayed from two months ago where NASA was to deliver the ESA's Columbus module, Europe's contribution to the ISS project. This module will function as a research facility. A lot of us Earth dwellers are very eager in seeing the ISS come to fruition as it represents many of our dreams for mankind to make his way towards outer space.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:13:26 -0700 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/2/7/5feedd76546d5679a547bfc09884b63f.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/2/21/cbc639dc85d5dc5f93f80d93d65a8910.html Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA is calling STS-122 a success. A major congratulations to the heroes of this mission. Now, the ISS has the Columbus module which will enable the Europeans to contribute their talents to man space explorations. Following this voyage will be STS-123, which starts the Japanese Kibo module installation. That mission will come in two parts and the next mission is being hailed as a truly international voyage.

Either way, glad to hear you guys made it safe and hope that the next few trips go equally well!]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:02:24 -0700 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/2/21/cbc639dc85d5dc5f93f80d93d65a8910.html