Yuki D. Takahashi
For Summer Session Program 2003


I would like to participate in ISU to learn what it takes to realize 
my ambitious dreams in space and to learn to work more fruitfully with 
people of all backgrounds.

One of my bigger ambitions is to set up an astronomical observatory on the 
Moon through a peaceful international effort.  Such a project could 
inspire billions of people who look at the Moon.  When I was a summer 
trainee in the Lunar Mission Laboratory at NASDA in 1999, I began a basic 
design of a lunar telescope mission.  Back at Caltech, I formed a SEDS 
team to begin developing a realistic proposal for it.  Leading this and 
other projects made me want to improve my teamwork and management skills.  
This past year, I worked toward Moon-based astronomy as my master's degree 
project.  Having thought seriously about how to make this mission happen, 
I realize that I need to know much more than just the science.  I would 
like to learn how to go about beginning international space projects.  I'd 
like to bring people together to form a multinational, multidisciplinary 
team to propose the lunar observatory mission.  ISU will provide an 
excellent platform for this.  Also, I sincerely would like to become able 
to share the excitement of space exploration with everyone around the 
world.

While learning from others I hope to contribute to the program by fully 
utilizing and sharing what I've gained through my unique experiences in 
Japan, USA, UK, and Russia.  I grew up in Japan where schools taught me 
good discipline, teamwork skills, and respect for others.  When I was 14 
years old, with a dream of becoming an astronaut, I made a decision to go 
study in the USA away from my family.  While taking full advantage of the 
open and creative approach to education in America, I learned much about 
NASA through participation in the US Space Academy, interactions with 
people at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and involvement in the 
microgravity flight program at the Johnson Space Center.  In 1999, I went 
to experience Russia for a summer through a scholarship because I wanted 
to learn about the Russian people as future partners in space.  In April 
last year, I attended a 2-week international space development workshop at 
Bauman Moscow State Technical University.  I also wanted to learn more 
about the European space activities, so I applied for the Fulbright 
Scholarship to experience a year in the UK.  During my research on 
Moon-based astronomy, I made truly valuable connections with world leaders 
especially in lunar exploration, including Dr Bernard Foing of ESA, Dr 
Mike Duke and Dr Wendell Mendell of NASA, and Mr. Kohtaro Matsumoto of 
Japanese NAL.  Through my multinational experiences and involvement in the 
lunar exploration community, I hope to provide unique inputs to the ISU 
program and be a valuable link in the network.

I really expect to benefit maximally from ISU because I'm motivated to 
learn everything proactively with the aim of applying it toward my dream 
project.  Last year, I was convinced that the MSS was the most ideal next 
step for me and had once decided to pursue the MSS.  Thanks to advice from 
many senior individuals (including Mr Jim Burke) and ISU alumni, however, 
I decided to begin my PhD training and instead try for this SSP.  
There's no room here to express how excited I was to learn that one of 
this year's team projects is "To the Moon via the ISS"!  I'm 
looking forward to demonstrating my excitement through action this summer.