brief biography of kalpana chawla

Kalpana Chawla: Biography & Columbia disaster

Astronaut Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman in space.

• Astronaut career
• Columbia disaster

Chawla's legacy

Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-born woman to go to space in 1997. Six years later, on February 1, 2003, Chawla died when the space shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. 

Chawla's legacy has lived on, however. In particular, her talent and hard work have inspired young people in India and around Earth to consider careers in spaceflight. 

Born in Karnal, India, on March 17, 1962, to parents Banarasi Lal Chawla and Sanjyothi Chawla, Kalpana Chawla was the youngest of four children. 

Until she started school, Chawla hadn't been formally named. Her parents called her Montu, but Chawla picked her own name from a selection when she entered education. The name Kalpana means "idea" or "imagination." Her full name is pronounced CULL-pah-na CHAU-la , though she often went by the nickname K.C.

As a child, Chawla developed an interest in flying after first seeing a plane at around the age of three. She spent days with her father visiting her local flying club with her father and showed an interest in aviation while at school. 

Related : Columbia Disaster: What happened and what NASA learned

During her earlier education in India, Chawla attended Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Secondary School, Karnal. 

Chawla obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College. When selecting the course, professors tried to dissuade her, as there were limited opportunities for girls in India following this career path. However, Chawla was adamant that this was the subject for her.

After completing her engineering degree in India, Chawla immigrated to the United States in the 1980s and became a naturalized citizen to continue her studies. She obtained her masters degree from the University of Texas and earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988.

Chawla began working at NASA's Ames Research Center the same year, working on powered-lift computational fluid dynamics. In particular, her work focused on understanding how air flows around an aircraft during flight and incorporating computers into the work.

Becoming an astronaut

In 1994, Chawla was selected as an astronaut candidate. After a year of training, she became a crew representative for the Astronaut Office EVA/Robotics and Computer Branches, where she worked with Robotic Situational Awareness Displays and tested software for the space shuttles.

Chawla felt passionately about providing science education opportunities for young girls in India, and during her time as an astronaut, NASA invited Chawla's secondary school to take part in their Summer Space Experience Program. Each year from 1998, the school sent two girls to the Foundation for International Space Education's United Space School in Houston and Chawla would invite them into her home for an Indian dinner.

Chawla's first flight came in November 1997, aboard the space shuttle Columbia on flight STS-87 . The shuttle made 252 orbits of the Earth in just over two weeks. Chawla was a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator for the flight; the other astronauts on board were Kevin Kregel, Steven Linsey, Winston Scott, Takao Doi and Leonid Kadenyuk.

The shuttle carried a number of experiments, including projects studying plant reproduction in microgravity and how materials behave in space.

In addition, Chawla used the robotic arm to deploy a satellite called SPARTAN 201, which was meant to study the outer layer of the sun , called the corona. However, the satellite malfunctioned and could not control its position upon deployment, according to NASA . Two other astronauts from the mission had to perform a spacewalk to recapture the satellite and the instrument never conducted any research.

After her first flight, Chawla said, "When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land, but from the solar system."

The Columbia disaster

In 2000, Chawla was selected for her second voyage into space, to serve as a mission specialist on STS-107 . The mission was delayed several times before finally launching on Jan. 16, 2003.

During the 16-day flight, the crew completed more than 80 experiments, working a strenuous shift schedule to ensure that the research never stopped, according to NASA . Among other work, the STS-107 crew tested technology that NASA wanted to recycle water on the young International Space Station. Experiments developed by elementary school students from around the world analyzed how insects and fish respond to spaceflight; another suite of experiments studied the sun.

In particular, the flight carried a large pressurized chamber called the Spacehab research module inside the shuttle's payload bay. The experiments completed in the Spacehab module focused on biological and health sciences.

Between her two missions, Chawla logged 30 days, 14 hours, and 54 minutes in space.

On the morning of Feb. 1, 2003, the space shuttle returned to Earth, intending to land at Kennedy Space Center . But as the shuttle passed through Earth's atmosphere, hot gas streamed into the shuttle's wing where a briefcase-sized piece of insulation had broken off during launch and damaged the thermal protection system, the shield that protects it from heat during re-entry.

The unstable craft rolled and bucked, pitching the astronauts about. Less than a minute passed before the ship depressurized, killing the crew . Also on board were Rick Husband, Laurel Clark, Ilan Ramon, David Brown, William McCool and Michael Anderson.

The shuttle broke up over Texas and Louisiana before plunging into the ground. The accident was the second major disaster for the space shuttle program, following the 1986 explosion of the shuttle Challenger .

Related : Debris from space shuttle Columbia disaster found in Texas

NASA and independent groups both investigated the Columbia disaster in hopes of preventing another such tragedy. Examples include the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (2003) and NASA's Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report (released in 2008).

Each year, NASA marks the loss of the Columbia crew, as well as the crews of the Challenger space shuttle and Apollo 1, on the last Thursday of January; the fatal missions are also regularly referenced when NASA personnel discuss the importance of prioritizing safety in human spaceflight.

No NASA mission has been fatal since the Columbia disaster.

Shortly after the Columbia disaster, scientists named seven asteroids after each crewmember as a "celestial memorial." To mark the first anniversary of the disaster, NASA also named seven hills on Mars for the lost crew.

The University of Texas dedicated a Kalpana Chawla memorial at the Arlington College of Engineering in 2010. At the time of its opening, the display included a flight suit, photographs, information about Chawla's life, and a flag that was flown over the Johnson Space Center during a memorial for the Columbia astronauts.

In October 2020, a commercial cargo spacecraft named after Chawla launched to the International Space Station (ISS). Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus capsule was named the S.S. Kalpana Chawla, as it is the company’s policy to dedicate their Cygnus capsules to someone who has played a pivotal role in human spaceflight.

"Chawla was selected in honor of her prominent place in history as the first woman of Indian descent to go to space," Northrop Grumman officials wrote in a statement .

Additional resources and reading

Chawla's widower, Jean-Pierre Harrison, wrote a biography called " The Edge of Time ," which he published in 2011. In addition, several documentaries have been produced about the Columbia crew, including " Astronaut Diaries: Remembering the Columbia Shuttle Crew " (2005), and one that focused on astronaut Ilan Ramon, called " Space Shuttle Columbia: Mission of Hope " (2013).

Bibliography:

• NASA, "Asteroids Dedicated to Space Station Columbia Crew," Aug. 6, 2003. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/asteroids-dedicated-to-space-shuttle-columbia-crew
• NASA, "Biographical Data: Kalpana Chawla," Feb. 2003. https://history.nasa.gov/columbia/Troxell/Columbia%20Web%20Site/Biographies/Crew%20Profile%20Information/Crew%20Biographies/ASTRON~1.HTM
• NASA, "NASA Dedicates Mars Landmarks to Columbia Crew," Feb. 2, 2004. https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2004/feb/HQ_04048_columbia_landmarks.html
• NASA, "STS-87 Day 4 Highlights," accessed Feb. 10, 2022. https://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-87/sts-87-day-04-highlights.html
• NASA Life Sciences Data Archive, "STS-87," accessed Feb. 10, 2022. https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/Mission/miss/101
• NASA Life Sciences Data Archive, "STS-107," accessed Feb. 10, 2022. https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/Mission/miss/194

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Nola Taylor Tillman is a contributing writer for Space.com. She loves all things space and astronomy-related, and enjoys the opportunity to learn more. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Astrophysics from Agnes Scott college and served as an intern at Sky & Telescope magazine. In her free time, she homeschools her four children. Follow her on Twitter at @NolaTRedd

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Kalpana Chawla Biography

Birthday: March 17 , 1962 ( Pisces )

Born In: Karnal, Haryana, India

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Died At Age: 40

Spouse/Ex-: Jean-Pierre Harrison (m. 1983–2003)

father: Banarasi Lal Chawla

mother: Sanjyothi Chawla

Born Country: India

Astronauts American Women

Died on: February 1 , 2003

place of death: Aboard Space Shuttle Columbia over Texas, United States

Ancestry: Indian American

Notable Alumni: University Of Texas At Arlington, Punjab Engineering College

Cause of Death: Space Flight Crash

education: University Of Colorado At Boulder, University Of Texas At Arlington, Punjab Engineering College

awards: Congressional Space Medal of Honor

You wanted to know

What were kalpana chawla's major accomplishments.

Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin in space and the first Indian-American astronaut. She completed two space missions, including STS-87 and STS-107.

What was the mission of STS-107, the final mission Kalpana Chawla was a part of?

The mission of STS-107 was to conduct a variety of scientific experiments in space and research in various fields such as biology, material science, and fluid physics.

What was the cause of the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster that tragically took Kalpana Chawla's life?

The Columbia Space Shuttle disaster was caused by a piece of foam insulation breaking off during launch and damaging the shuttle's wing, which led to the shuttle disintegrating upon re-entry.

What impact did Kalpana Chawla have on the field of space exploration and women in STEM?

Kalpana Chawla inspired many individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in STEM fields and space exploration. She remains a role model for aspiring astronauts and scientists around the world.

How is Kalpana Chawla commemorated and remembered today?

Kalpana Chawla is commemorated through various scholarships, awards, and institutions in her honor, such as the Kalpana Chawla Memorial Scholarship and the Kalpana Chawla Hall at the International Space University. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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Kalpana Chawla was an avid lover of flying and obtained her private pilot's license before becoming an astronaut.

She was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, inspiring millions of girls and women around the world to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Kalpana had a great sense of humor and often joked with her fellow astronauts during space missions, lightening the atmosphere aboard the spacecraft.

She was known for her dedication to scientific research and conducted numerous experiments on the International Space Station to further our understanding of space and its effects on the human body.

See the events in life of Kalpana Chawla in Chronological Order

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Kalpana Chawla, PhD, was an engineer, pilot, and astronaut who spent more than 30 days in space over two Space Shuttle missions.

Chawla was born in Karnal, India, and was fascinated by flight since her childhood. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Panjab Engineering College, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas-Arlington, and a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Chawla held numerous pilot licenses, including for airplanes, gliders, and seaplanes.

After completing her PhD in 1988, Chawla joined NASA’s Ames Research Center, where she specialized in the fluid dynamics of aircraft. She later continued aerodynamics research in the private sector. In 1991 Chawla became a United States citizen. NASA selected Chawla as an astronaut in late 1994 and she began astronaut training in 1995.

In addition to preparing for spaceflight, astronauts are also tasked with ground-based technical projects. Chawla worked on the development of the Robotic Situational Awareness Display, a tool to help astronauts operate robotic arms. She also tested space shuttle control software.

Mission specialist Kalpana Chawla on board Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-107. (Image courtesy of NASA)

Chawla flew on two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist. On November 19, 1997, she launched on board Space Shuttle Columbia as part of STS-87. Chawla specialized in operating the robotic arm, which she used to deploy the Spartan Satellite. During the 16-day mission, the crew conducted numerous experiments, with a focus on materials science. Chawla made history as the first Indian woman, and the first South Asian American woman, to fly in space. Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumal Gujral called Chawla in space to congratulate her on her journey and express pride in her representing India in space.

On January 16, 2003, Chawla launched on board Space Shuttle Columbia once more as part of STS-107. During this 16-day mission, the crew performed over 80 scientific experiments, with Chawla overseeing and conducting microgravity experiments on crystal growth, combustion and fire suppression, as well as prostate cancer. Chawla and the other six crewmembers–commander Rick D. Husband, pilot William C. McCool, mission specialists David M. Brown, Michael P. Anderson, and Laurel B. Clark, and payload specialist Ilan Ramon–were tragically killed when Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry on February 1, 2003.

Chawla posthumously received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Congressional Space Medal of Honor in recognition of her career and sacrifice. A selection of her papers are housed in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Archives.

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Kalpana Chawla Short Biography

Table of Contents

Biography of Kalpana Chawla in Short

India’s Karnal is the place of birth of Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2003). She was the first Indian woman in space and the first Indian-American astronaut. As a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator, she made her first space flight on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. One of the seven crew members lost in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 was Kalpana Chawla.

Her second voyage occurred on STS-107, Columbia’s last Space Shuttle mission, in 2003. Chawla was one of the seven crew members who perished in the Columbia accident on February 1, 2003, when the spaceship exploded upon re-entering the atmosphere. Chawla received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously, and several streets, colleges, and other establishments bear her name.

At Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Sec School in Karnal, Kalpana Chawla completed her previous education. In 1982, she graduated from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh with a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering. She immigrated to the country in 1982, and in 1984 she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with an M.S. in aeronautical engineering. Later, Kalpana Chawla graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a second M.S. in 1986 and a Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering in 1988.

NASA CAREER

In March 1995, Kalpana Chawla enlisted in the NASA Astronaut Corps, and in 1996, she was chosen for her maiden trip. She said, “You are only your intelligence,” as she was moving through the weightlessness of space. She had logged 10.67 million kilometers or 252 full rotations of the planet.

On November 19, 1997, she launched into orbit as a member of the six-person crew of Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-87. In addition to becoming the second Indian to travel in space after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma in 1984, Kalpana Chawla was also the first woman of Indian descent to do so. In 252 orbits of the Earth during her maiden mission, Chawla covered a distance of more than 10.4 million miles and spent more than 372 hours in space.

Kalpana Chawla Death

We lost Kalpana Chawla in the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle disintegrated over Texas during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. This disaster occurred just before the Space Shuttle was supposed to complete its 28th mission, STS-107.

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Dr. Kalpana Chawla, PhD

Dr. Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman in space. Born in India, she immigrated to the United States after earning her degree in aeronautical engineering. In the 1980s, she became a naturalized citizen and obtained her master’s and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering. In 1994, NASA selected her as an astronaut candidate. Her first flight was in 1997 on the space shuttle Columbia, where she was an operator of the remote manipulator arm. Her second flight was in 2003 on Columbia, but when the shuttle re-entered Earth’s orbit for landing, part of the shuttle’s insulation broke off. This damaged the thermal protection system, causing hot gas to enter the wing and depressurizing the shuttle. All seven crew members died in the tragic accident. The crew’s legacy has been honored through documentaries and investigations to prevent future accidents. In 2010, the University of Texas dedicated a memorial to Chawla at the Arlington College of Engineering.

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Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003) was the first Indian American astronaut and the first Indian woman in space. She came to the United States at age 20 and earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at University of Colorado, Boulder. She first flew on Space Shuttle  Columbia  STS-87 in 1997, and in 2003 she was one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle  Columbia  STS-107 disaster. Chawla was honored posthumously with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004.

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Kalpana Chawla: Biography & Columbia Disaster

Table of Contents:

Remembering Kalpana Chawla on her 55th birth anniversary . Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-born woman to fly in space would have turned 55 today if not for that fateful accident on February 1, 2022 when Space Shuttle Columbia perished upon entry to the earth’s atmosphere leading to her death and six other astronauts. Let’s take a look at some facts about this wonder woman whose achievements continue to inspire many. Literally, a star.

Few things named after Kalpana Chawla – Updated: 17 Mar 2017, 02:10 PM ISTKalpana Chawla, the first Indian-born woman to fly in space would have turned 55 today if not for that fateful accident on February 1, 2003 when Space Shuttle Columbia perished upon entry to the earth’s atmosphere leading to her death and six other astronauts. Let’s take a look at some facts about this wonder woman whose achievements continue to inspire many. AgenciesKalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India. She was the first Indian-American astronaut and first Indian woman in space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. Agencies 3/5Kalpana chose her own nameApparently her parents never gave her a formal name but nicknamed her Montu. She picked her formal name at age three when she was brought to a nursery school by her aunt. The principal asked her name to which her aunt replied: “We have three names in our mind – Kalpana, Jyotsna and Sunaina. ” When the principal asked her to pick a name she chose Kalpana.

Video advice: Biography of Kalpana Chawla & Columbia disaster

Astronaut Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman in space.

Nola Taylor Tillman is a contributing writer for Space. com. She loves all things space and astronomy-related, and enjoys the opportunity to learn more. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Astrophysics from Agnes Scott college and served as an intern at Sky & Telescope magazine. In her free time, she homeschools her four children. Follow her on Twitter at @NolaTRedd.

Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-born woman to go to space in 1997. Six years later, on February 1, 2003, Chawla lost her life when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed. The spacecraft broke up on re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. Despite her never returning to Earth, Chawla’s legacy has lived on. This is the life story of an exceptional talent, whose passion and hard work allowed her to achieve her dreams, while inspiring young people in India and millions more across the world to do the same. Early lifeBorn in Karnal, India, on March 17, 1962, to parents Banarasi Lal Chawla and Sanjyothi Chawla, Kalpana Chawla was the youngest of four children. Until she started school, Chawla hadn’t been formally named. Her parents called her Montu, but Chawla picked her own name from a selection when she entered education. The name Kalpana means “idea” or “imagination. ” Her full name is pronounced CULL-pah-na CHAU-la, though she often went by the nickname K.

Kalpana Chawla Facts for Kids

Kalpana ChawlaBornMarch 17, 1962(1)Karnal, Haryana, IndiaDiedFebruary 1, 2003 (aged 40)Aboard Space Shuttle Columbia over Texas, U.S. CitizenshipIndia (1962–1991)United States (1991–2003)Alma materPunjab Engineering College (BE) University of Texas at Arlington (MS) University of Colorado at Boulder (MS, PhD)Awards Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Her second flight was on STS-107, the ultimate flight of Takes Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. Chawla was among the seven crew people who died within the Takes Space Shuttle Columbia disaster once the spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry in to the Earth’s atmosphere. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Recognition,(6) and many roads, universities, and institutions happen to be named in her own recognition. (8)(9) She’s considered like a national hero in India.

Feb 1, 2022: Tragedy That Struck Kalpana Chawla’s Space Shuttle Columbia During its Re-entry

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board in its investigation found that a hole was punctured in the leading edge on one of the wings of Columbia during the launch 16 days prior to the explosion involving the demise of all its seven crew members including Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-origin woman to go to space.

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board in its investigation found that a hole was punctured in the leading edge on one of the wings of Columbia during the launch 16 days prior to the explosion involving the demise of all its seven crew members including Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-origin woman to go to space – File picture of Kalpana Chawla (Getty). The Columbia Accident Analysis Board in the analysis discovered that an opening was punctured within the innovative on among the wings of Columbia throughout the launch 16 days before the explosion relating to the demise of its seven crew people including Kalpana Chawla, the very first Indian-origin lady to visit space. This very day 18 years back, NASA’s Takes space shuttle Columbia exploded while reentering Earth’s atmosphere, killing its seven crew people including Kalpana Chawla, the very first Indian-origin lady to visit space. The area shuttle was destroyed at approximately 7:30 PM IST on Feb 1, 2003, following a 16-day scientific mission. It had been the 2nd fatal disaster that happened within the Takes Space Shuttle program, following the Takes Space Shuttle Challenger explosion which happened in 1986 where the shuttle had exploded just 73 seconds in to the flight. The STS-107 mission premiered on The month of january 16, 2003 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It conducted a variety of worldwide scientific experiments during its 15 days, 22 hrs, twenty minutes, 32 seconds in orbit.

Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2022) was an Indo-American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin in space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. In 2022, Chawla was one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Kalpana Chawla was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal. Her official date of birth was altered to 1 July 1961 to allow her to join school underage. She moved to the United.

Contents – Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962(2)(3) – February 1, 2003) was an Indo-American astronaut(4) and the first woman of Indian origin in space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. In 2003, Chawla was one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Kalpana Chawla was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal. Her official date of birth was altered to 1 July 1961 to allow her to join school underage. She moved to the United States in 1982 where she obtained a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1984.

Video advice: KALPANA CHAWLA Biography & Columbia Disaster

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Astronaut Friday: Kalpana Chawla – This week we are remembering NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla, who tragically lost her life 16 minutes before touchdown in the Columbia disaster.

She was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004. This honor is awarded by the President of the United States to astronauts who distinguish themselves through exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and mankind. Currently, only 28 astronauts have been honored with this award.

• Born to fly
• First Indian-born woman in space
• A lasting legacy

is kalpana chawla husband alive

Space Shuttle Columbia disaster – CBS News She also kept the suspense alive on whether she is doing the biopic on astronaut Kalpana Chawla. youtu.be/lTeL0QYTosoWatch Signature bridge Delhi : youtu . Clark is in Israel this week, taking part in an annual space . She is alive even after her death. Kalpana Chawla/Profile. Kalpana Chawla. Sirisha was born in 1987 in Andhra Pradesh, India. Remembering Kalpana Chawla on her 58th Birth Anniversary. Kalpana Chawla enjoyed flying, hiking, back-packing, and reading. Last 13 minutes of Kalpana Chawla. Kalpana is a Sanskrit name meaning “idea” or “imagination.”.Her father Banarsi Lal Chawla was then a leading industrialist of Karnal and owned a Tire factory. Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died in . It was the middle class family. In Memory of the Crew of STS-107. Space Shuttle Columbia crew, left to right, front row, Rick Husband, Kalpana . Ten years since loss of space shuttle Columbia | News … However, additional details about her partner have not yet surfaced in the media. Kalpana’s husband visits Karnal – Rediff.com Uncover Pradeep Chawla’s Biography, Age, {Height}, Bodily Stats, Courting/Affairs, Household and profession updates. Seated in front are astronauts Rick D. Husband (left), mission commander; Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist; and William C. McCool, pilot. Kalpana Chawla’s husband, Jean-Pierre Harrison, who also has remarried, published a biography titled “The Edge of Time” in 2022. The Birth anniversary of Kalpana Chawla, the American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, was on February 1st. On February 2022, Kalpana Chawla died. Tributes poured in for astronaut Kalpana Chawla on her death anniversary on Saturday (February 1). The Columbia Disaster is one of the most tragic events in spaceflight history. . Breaking her silence – The Hindu Special Correspondent: Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman to enter space.She dedicated her knowledge to the development of space science.

Takes Space Shuttle Columbia disaster – CBS News She also stored the suspense alive on whether she’s doing the biopic on astronaut Kalpana Chawla. youtu. be/lTeL0QYTosoWatch Signature bridge Delhi : youtu . Clark is within Israel now, getting involved in a yearly space . She’s alive despite her dying. Kalpana Chawla/Profile. Kalpana Chawla. Sirisha was created later in Andhra Pradesh, India. Remembering Kalpana Chawla on her behalf 58th Birth Anniversary. Kalpana Chawla enjoyed flying, hiking, back-packing, and studying. Last 13 minutes of Kalpana Chawla. Kalpana is really a Sanskrit name meaning “idea” or “imagination. “. Her father Banarsi Lal Chawla ended up being a number one industrialist of Karnal and owned a Tire factory. Chawla was among the seven crew people who died in . It had been the center class family. In Memory from the Crew of STS-107. Takes Space Shuttle Columbia crew, left to right, front row, Ron Husband, Kalpana . 10 years since lack of takes space shuttle Columbia News . . . However, additional information regarding her partner haven’t yet surfaced in media.

When kalpana chawla died? – Kalpana Chawla was an Indian American astronaut and engineer who was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia.

Answer:Although Kalpana’s second space flight ended in disaster, she is remembered as an extraordinary woman, an inspiration, and a role model. She set a mighty example for being courageous, dedicated, and an independent woman who set her eyes on space and followed through with her dream.

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The tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia killed seven astronauts. One of those, Kalpana Chawla, was the first Indian-born woman in space. Born in Karnal, India, on July 1, 1961, Chawla was the…

In 1994, Chawla was selected as an astronaut candidate. After a year of training, she became a crew representative for the Astronaut Office EVA/Robotics and Computer Branches, where she worked with Robotic Situational Awareness Displays and tested software for the space shuttles.

• If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.

Chawla obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College before immigrating to the United States and becoming a naturalized citizen in the 1980s. She earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988, having previously obtained her masters degree from the University of Texas. She began working at NASA’s Ames Research Centre the same year, working on power-lift computational fluid dynamics.

Learn Kalpana Chawla facts for kids.

Contents – Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2003) was an American astronaut, engineer, and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. In 2003, Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster when the spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and several streets, universities, and institutions have been named in her honor. She is regarded as a national hero in India.

Video advice: PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH for Physical Sciences “KALPANA CHAWLA : BIOGRAPHY & COLUMBIA DISASTER”

Were the bodies of Columbia astronauts recovered?

The remains of all seven astronauts who were killed in the space shuttle Columbia tragedy have been recovered , US officials said last night.

What caused Columbia to explode?

When Columbia reentered the atmosphere of Earth, the damage allowed hot atmospheric gases to penetrate the heat shield and destroy the internal wing structure , which caused the spacecraft to become unstable and break apart.

Did the Columbia crew survive?

The seven astronauts killed during the 2003 loss of NASA's space shuttle Columbia survived less than a minute after their spacecraft began breaking apart , according to a new report released Tuesday that suggests changes to astronaut training and spacecraft cabin design. ... 1, 2003.

Did the Columbia crew suffer?

Seat restraints, pressure suits and helmets of the doomed crew of the space shuttle Columbia didn't work well, leading to "lethal trauma" as the out-of-control ship lost pressure and broke apart, killing all seven astronauts, a new NASA report says.

Did Columbia crew know what was happening?

While no one knew for sure what caused Columbia's accident, there were engineers at the Johnson Space Center who were pretty sure they knew what happened, who had tried to alert senior management, and who were ignored.

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Kalpana Chawla Biography: Death Anniversary, Family, Age, Education, Space Missions, Awards, Legacy, and More

Kalpana chawla biography: kalpana chawla was the first indian- born woman to go into space in 1997. she lost her life on 1 february 2003, when the space shuttle columbia was destroyed. let us take a look at kalpana chawla's early life, family, education, career, space missions, honours and recognition, legacy, etc..

Kalpana Chawla Biography: How can we forget the first Indian-born woman to go into space. She is none other than Kalpana Chawla. Today is her death anniversary. On this day in 2003, she lost her life when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed. While re-entering into Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft broke out and killed all seven astronauts on board. 

Kalpana Chawla Biography

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Family, Husband, Child, Age, Early Life and Hobbies

She was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, India. Her father was Banarasi Lal Chawla and her mother was Sanjyothi Chawla. She was the youngest of four children. She was called by her parents Montu until she started school. When she entered education, Chawla picked her own name. The name 'Kalpana' means "idea" or "imagination". She often went by the nickname K.C.  She enjoyed flying, hiking, back-packing, and reading.

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Education

Kalpana chawla biography: career, becoming an astronaut.

She started work in 1988 at NASA Ames Research Center in the area of powered-lift computational fluid dynamics. She concentrated her research on simulation of complex air flows encountered around aircraft including the Harrier in "ground-effect." 

Kalpana Chawla joined Overset Methods Inc., Los Altos, California, as Vice President and Research Scientist to form a team with other researchers specializing in the simulation of moving multiple body problems in 1993. Her work was to develop and implement efficient techniques to perform aerodynamic optimisation. Her project works results are documented in technical conference papers and journals.

In December 1994, she was selected by NASA. She reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995 as an astronaut candidate in the 15th Group of Astronauts.

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Space Missions

Kalpana Chawla's first opportunity to fly in space came in November 1997, aboard the space shuttle Columbia on flight STS-87. In just over two weeks, the shuttle made 252 orbits of the Earth. On the trip, the shuttle carried out several experiments and observing tools including a Spartan Satellite, which Chawla deployed from the shuttle. 

The satellite that studied the outer layer of the sun malfunctioned because of some software errors and the other two astronauts had to perform a spacewalk to recapture it from the shuttle.

Second Space Mission: Disaster strikes

Kalpana Chawla was selected for her second voyage into space in 2000. She served again as a mission specialist for STS-107. Various times, the mission was delayed, and finally, in 2003, it was launched. Over a 16-days flight, the crew completed more than 80 experiments. On 1 February 2003 morning, the space shuttle returned to Earth and was intended to launch at Kennedy Space Center. During the launch time, as per the official, a briefcase-sized piece of insulation and broken off. It damaged the thermal protection system of the shuttle's wing. It was the shield that protected it from heat during re-entry. As the shuttle passed through the atmosphere, hot gas streaming into the wing caused it to break up.

The craft became unstable, rolled, and bucked, pitching the astronauts about. The ship depressurised in less than a minute and crew members were killed. The shuttle broke up over Texas and Louisiana before plunging into the ground. It was the second major disaster following the 1986 explosion of the shuttle Challenger.

In a crew, all seven were killed. The crew included Rick Husband, Laurel Clark, Ilan Ramon, David Brown, William McCool, Michael Anderson, and Kalpana Chawla.

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Awards

Kalpana chawla biography: legacy.

The Columbia event was officially investigated and reported to help understand what happened. Also, how to prevent the tragedy from re-occurring in future spaceflights. For example in 2003, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. In 2008, NASA"s Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report was released.

Various documentaries have been produced about the crew of Columbia including "Astronaut Diaries: Remembering the Columbia Shuttle Crew" (2005), "Space Shuttle Columbia: Mission of Hope" (2013).

In 2010, the University of Texas dedicated a Kalpana Chawla memorial at the Arlington College of Engineering. 

A commercial cargo spacecraft named after Kalpana Chawla was launched to the international space station in October 2020. 

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus capsule was named the S.S. Kalpana Chawla. 

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India , World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App .

• Who is Kalpana Chawla? + Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian- born woman to go into space in 1997. She lost her life on 1 February 2003, when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed.
• How did Kalpana died in space? + On 1 February 2003, Kalpana Chawla lost her life when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed. While re-entering into Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft broke out and killed all seven astronauts on board.
• When was Kalpana Chawla born? + Kalpana Chawla was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, India.
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Kalpana Chawla Biography

Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla's love of flying led to her career as a NASA astronaut. She started her higher education in India, earning a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in 1982. Moving to the U.S., she turned to aerospace engineering and received her M.S. from the University of Texas and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. Chawla joined NASA in 1995 and was assigned as mission specialist on the space shuttle STS-87 in 1997, becoming the first Indian-American woman to go into space. She was a crew member on the Shuttle Columbia when it broke up upon reentry to the Earth's atmosphere in February 2003.

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Wonder of the Day #2946

Who Was Kalpana Chawla?

SCIENCE — Earth and Space

Have You Ever Wondered...

• Who was Kalpana Chawla?
• What goals did Chawla accomplish?
• Who was the first female Indian astronaut?
• Earth And Space ,
• Astronaut ,
• Engineering ,
• Kalpana Chawla ,
• Women's History

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by matthew. matthew Wonders , “ How did the space ship Columbia fail? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, matthew!

Do you dream of becoming an astronaut ? Lots of people grow up wondering what it would be like to travel through space . Like the subject of today’s Wonder, some work hard to make that dream a reality. Let’s learn together about astronaut and engineer Kalpana Chawla.  

Kalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962. She and her family lived in Karnal, a city in the North Indian state of Haryana. As a child, Kalpana was very interested in planes . Chawla and her father watched local flying clubs together. She chose her own name when she started school. Kalpana can mean “idea” or “imagination” in Hindi. 

Chawla earned several flight licenses . She piloted gliders and planes with different engines and gained certification as a flight instructor. She enjoyed flying stunts.  

She received her first college degree in 1982. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering while still in India. Professors tried to talk her out of studying her chosen field. They said that girls couldn’t go very far with that education. Chawla persisted in doing what she loved.  

After moving to the U.S., Chawla studied aerospace engineering and got a Master’s degree. In 1988, the University of Colorado granted her a PhD in the same subject. That year, Chawla started working at NASA .  

Chawla focused on studying air flow around aircraft during flight. She tested ways to use computers in her work. Her research used software that mimicked what happened to aircraft during complex moving problems.  

She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1991. That same year, Chawla applied to the NASA Astronaut Corps. NASA selected her in December 1994. She joined the 15th Group of Astronauts as a candidate in March 1995.  

Chawla was proud that she had proved her former professors wrong. She found a career in her field! She wanted other girls to have the same opportunity. Starting in 1998, NASA invited two students from Chawla’s school in India to the Summer Space Experience Program. She prepared a traditional Indian dinner at her home each year for the students. 

After extensive training and testing, NASA assigned Kalpana Chawla her first space flight mission . On November 19, 1997, she was one of six on the crew for mission STS-87 of the space shuttle Columbia. Chawla was to operate the robotic arm to launch a satellite . She made history as the first Indian woman in space. Chawla and the crew orbited the Earth 252 times on the mission . 

Her second mission for NASA was also aboard the Columbia. On January 16, 2003, Chawla and six others launched for a 16-day flight. The crew performed 80 microgravity experiments. NASA scheduled the shuttle to land February 1, 2003. A problem with insulation on a wing caused the craft to break apart before touching down. There were no survivors. 

Since her passing, the U.S. and India have given Chawla several awards. NASA gave her the Distinguished Service Medal. They gave her the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. They named an asteroid, a hill on Mars , memorials, buildings and spacecraft in her honor.  

Are you inspired by women like Kalpana Chawla? Would you like to fly into space or be the first to accomplish a goal? Dare to dream big!

Common Core , Next Generation Science Standards , and National Council for the Social Studies ."> Standards : AASL.D.IV, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.3, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.4, CCRA.L.5, CCRA.L.6, NCAS.CR.1

Wonder What's Next?

Bring your appetite — tomorrow we’re chomping into a wonder that’s a chip off the old block.

It takes a lot of training, testing, and ability to become an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla! Give these activities a try to see if you’ve got the right stuff to one day follow in her footsteps.

• Chawla and other astronauts have been quoted about their feelings when viewing the Earth from space. Imagine traveling around our planet from far above. Use your creative thinking to write a poem or narrative about the experience. Be sure to include lots of description on what you might see and feel! Share your writing with family and friends and discuss how they think it might feel to be an astronaut.
• What do you think you might see while traveling in space? A view of the Earth? Maybe a chance to spot your hometown from miles and miles above? Whoosh! A satellite might pass by your window at some point. Use your thinking cap about all there is to see in space, and make a drawing. You can use materials you have around your home or a Canva template . Show your new work to friends and trusted adults and talk about what you drew and why!
• Kalpana Chawla was outstanding as the first Indian woman to go to space. There are others who broke barriers to join the elite ranks as astronauts. Ask an adult to take you on a field trip to the local library. Do some reading on others who were astronauts. (You can use this site as a starting point, if you want.) Pick an astronaut you admire from your research. Create a presentation about the person and why you chose them to share with others!  

Wonder Sources

• https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed 5 May, 2023)
• https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/kalpana-chawla (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kalpana-chawla-birthday-remembering-indian-origin-s-first-woman-astronaut-101679026074176.html (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/chawla_kalpana.pdf (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://www.space.com/17056-kalpana-chawla-biography.html (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://kids.kiddle.co/Kalpana_Chawla (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)

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Wonder Words

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• aeronautical

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Question 1 of 3

This Wonder is mostly about . . .

• a NASA’s space shuttle Columbia missions. Not Quite!
• b The life of Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla. Correct!
• c The history of the U.S. space program. Not Quite!
• d Experiments conducted in space. Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

Which statement about Kalpana Chawla is a fact?

• a She was born and raised in India. Not Quite!
• b She named herself. Not Quite!
• c She immigrated to the U.S. Not Quite!
• d All of the above. Correct!

Question 3 of 3

In which order did these events occur?

• a Kalpana Chawla orbited Earth. Kalpana Chawla left India. Kalpana Chawla studied aeronautic engineering. Not Quite!
• b Kalpana Chawla studied aeronautic engineering. Kalpana Chawla left India. Kalpana Chawla orbited Earth. Not Quite!
• c Kalpana Chawla left India. Kalpana Chawla orbited Earth. Kalpana Chawla studied aeronautic engineering Not Quite!
• d None of the above. Correct!

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Remembering Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian American to go to space

John Yang John Yang

Harry Zahn Harry Zahn

Azhar Merchant Azhar Merchant

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/remembering-kalpana-chawla-the-first-indian-american-to-go-to-space

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re highlighting people whose contributions have often been overlooked. Tonight, we explore the legacy of Kalpana Chawla, the first American of Indian descent to travel to space, who gave her life in the pursuit of research, science and exploration.

Read the Full Transcript

Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.

Finally, tonight, our Hidden History series, we explore the legacy of the first Indian American astronaut who gave her life the name of research, science and exploration.

Dr. Kalpana Chawla, also a rookie Mission Specialist.

In 1997, Kalpana Chawla realized her lifelong dream of traveling to space. She was the first American of Indian descent to accomplish that feat. Once it all seemed unimaginable.

Kaplana Chawla, First Indian-American Astronaut:

For me, it was very far-fetched to think I get to fly on the space shuttle because I lived in India in a very small town. And forget about space. I didn`t even know if my folks were going to let me go to the engineering college.

She did get an aerospace engineering degree from Punjab engineering college in India, and a PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder. In 1994, she was one of the 20 applicants accepted in NASA`s astronaut program out of a pool of nearly 4,000.

She was assigned to the shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator. On her first mission, Chawla used the arm to deploy a research satellite. It was intended to study the sun but malfunctioned.

On her second mission, she oversaw research on the impact of low gravity, ranging from crystal growth to cancer. But on the return to Earth on February 1, 2003, just minutes before it was to land in Florida, the Columbia disintegrated, killing the entire crew.

NASA suspended space flights for two years while it investigated the disaster which was blamed on damage the shuttle suffered at liftoff.

In India, there were shock and horror. Many said tearful prayers at Chawla`s hometown of Karnal.

And lift off. The SS Kaplana Chawla takes flight sights set on the International Space Station.

In 2020, NASA launched a commercial spacecraft named after the modest but determined woman who pursued her passion inspired others and contributed to the cutting edge of science.

Listen to this Segment

Watch the Full Episode

John Yang is the anchor of PBS News Weekend and a correspondent for the PBS News Hour. He covered the first year of the Trump administration and is currently reporting on major national issues from Washington, DC, and across the country.

Azhar Merchant is Associate Producer for National Affairs.

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https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/chawla-kalpana

Chawla, Kalpana (1962–2003)

By: Mykah Jones

Published: January 21, 2020

Updated: January 21, 2020

Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian American woman astronaut, was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India, to Syongita (Devi) and Banarsi Lal Chawla, the owner of a tire manufacturing plant. As a child she dreamed of becoming an astronaut after being inspired by Jehangir R. D. “JRD” Tata, the pilot of the first mail flights in India and owner of Tata Air Services. She graduated from the Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Secondary School in Karnal in 1976. In 1978 she attended Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh, India. There she was the first woman to enroll in aerospace engineering courses and one of four women in the engineering program. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1982, then moved to the United States. In 1984 Chawla received a master of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. While in Arlington, she met Jean-Pierre Harrison, a licensed pilot. They married in Tarrant County on December 2, 1983. At the University of Colorado, she earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1988.

After completing her education, Chawla worked on power-lift computational fluid dynamics for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). At the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, she researched complex airflows during vertical/short takeoffs and landings for aircrafts such as Harriers. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in April 1991 and applied for NASA’s astronaut program. In 1993 she was named the vice president of Overset Methods, Inc., a small scientific-research-based non-profit corporation in Los Altos, California. After months of evaluations and interviews, in December 1994 Chawla was accepted into the NASA Astronaut Corps. She and her husband moved to Houston, Texas, and she began her training at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in March 1995.

She was selected in November 1996 for the six-member crew of the STS-87 (Space Transportation System-87) to fly the space shuttle Columbia in 1997. She served as the STS-87 Mission Specialist 1 and backup Flight Engineer for ascent. As the primary operator of the shuttle’s robotic arm, she successfully removed a satellite from the shuttle’s payload bay. When STS-87 launched on November 19, 1997, Chawla became the first woman born in India and first Indian American woman in space. India’s Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral called her personally from Earth to congratulate her. He expressed how proud India was of her and her achievements and that she was an inspiration to Indian women and children.

Although Chawla gave up her Indian citizenship to become an astronaut, India always remained important to her. To provide educational opportunities in science for Indian girls, she arranged for her hometown Tagore school to participate in NASA’s Summer Space Experience Program. Beginning in 1998 the Tagore School sent two female students each year to the Foundation for International Space Education’s United Space School in Houston. Every summer Chawla invited the students to her home for a homemade Indian dinner.

In 2000 NASA selected Chawla as Flight Engineer and Mission Specialist for the STS-107 mission. On January 16, 2003, after numerous delays, space shuttle Columbia launched the STS-107 crew of seven astronauts into space for a sixteen-day mission. Chawla’s family from South Delhi watched lift-off at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and spoke with her a few hours later. Upon completing their mission, however, Columbia ’s reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere took a tragic turn on February 1, 2003 ( see SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA CRASH ). With just minutes left of the mission, Columbia broke apart, killing all seven members of the crew, including Chawla. Prior to the disaster, Chawla had recorded thirty-one days, fourteen hours, and fifty-four minutes in space. She was survived by her husband, parents, and a brother. Her identified remains were cremated, and her ashes were scattered at Zion National Park in Utah.

Following her death, Chawla received numerous commendations for her dedication to space research. She was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal posthumously. NASA also named a supercomputer in after her. In 2004 Mars scientists named seven hills, important terrestrial landmarks on Mars for the Spirit rover mission, after each member of the Columbia crew. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) named a residence hall after her, and UTA College of Engineering has a permanent exhibit dedicated to Chawla. Additional dedications in India include a planetarium in Jyotisar, India; India’s first weather satellite, the Kalpana-1 ; and the Kalpana Chawla Auditorium at Tagore School. India citizens and the UTA campus continued to celebrate her life every year on the anniversary of her death.

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“Biographical Data: Kalpana Chawla (PhD), NASA Astronaut,” National Aeronautics and Space Administration, last modified May 2004 (https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/chawla_kalpana.pdf), accessed June 15, 2019. Irwin A. Tang, ed., Asian Texans: Our Histories and Our Lives  (Austin: The it Works, 2007). “The Kalpana Chawla Story,” Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Secondary School (http://tagorebaalniketan.com/the-kalpana-chawla-story/), accessed June 15, 2019.

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Biography of Kalpana Chawla | Early Life, Family, Education, Age, Awards and Legacy

Kalpana Chawla (17 March 1962 – 1 February 2003) was an Indian-born American astronaut and aerospace engineer, the first woman of Indian origin to fly into space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator on her inaugural flight in 1997.

Chawla made her second flight aboard STS-107, Columbia’s final mission, in 2003. Unfortunately, Chawla was one of seven crew members killed when it disintegrated upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere on 1 February 2003; posthumously she received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor as well as having multiple streets, universities, and institutions named in her memory.

About Kalpana Chawla

• Real Name:  Kalpana Chawla
• Nickname: Montu
• Profession: Astronaut
• Age:  40 Years (Born 17/March/1962)
• Born:  17 March 1962
• Place of Birth: Karnal, Haryana India
• Height:  163 cm Approx
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Date of Death: 1 February 2003
• Religion: Hinduism
• Hobbies: Reading Poetry, playing Badminton, dancing
• Nationality: American
• Place of Death: Aboard Space Shuttle Columbia over Texas, U.S.
• Death Cause: Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (Accident) which killed all 7 crew members
• Zodiac sign/Sun sign: Cancer
• Hometown: Texas, U.S.
• School: Tagore Bal Niketan School, Karnal
• College/University: Dyal Singh College, Karnal, Haryana
• Kalpana Chawla Father Name: Banarasi Lal Chawla (deceased)
• Kalpana Chawla Mother Name: Sanjyothi Chawla
• Kalpana Chawla Brother Name: Sanjay Chawla
• Kalpana Chawla Sister Name: Sunita, Dipa
• College/University: Dyal Singh College, Karnal, Haryana. Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, India. University of Texas, Arlington, Texas, U.S. University of Colorado, Boulder, U.S.
• Educational Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from University of Texas, Second Masters and PhD degrees in Aerospace Engineering from University of Colorado.
• NASA Missions: STS-87, STS-107
• Spent Combined Time in Space: 54 minutes, 14 hours and 31 days
• Travelled Combined Distance: 10.67 million km
• Awards (Posthumous): Congressional Space Medal of Honor, NASA Space Flight Medal and NASA Distinguished Service Medal
• Marital Status: Married
• Kalpana Affairs/Boyfriends: Jean-Pierre Harrison
• Kalpana Husband/Spouse: Jean-Pierre Harrison
• Marriage Date: 1983 Year
• Children: Son- N/A, Daughter- N/A

Early life and Education

Kalpana Chawla was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, Haryana to a very traditional society; yet she defied expectations by becoming India’s first female astronaut. She completed her secondary education at Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Secondary School of Karnal. As she grew up, Chawla attended local flying clubs with her father to watch planes fly overhead. Chawla earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India before migrating to the United States in 1982 and receiving both her Master of Science degree and PhD in aerospace engineering from University of Texas at Arlington in 1984. Additionally, in 1986 and 1988 from University of Colorado Boulder respectively.

Chawla began her professional career at NASA Ames Research Center, conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research on vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) concepts using CFD simulations. Her findings can be found published in technical journals and conference proceedings. In 1993, she joined Overset Methods Inc as Vice President and Research Scientist specializing in simulating moving multiple body problems. Chawla held both a Certified Flight Instructor rating for airplanes and gliders as well as Commercial Pilot licenses for single engine, multi engine and glider aircraft. After becoming naturalized as an American citizen in April 1991, she applied for and joined NASA Astronaut Corps. Chawla became part of its ranks in March 1995 before taking her inaugural flight in 1997.

First Space Mission

Chawla began her first space mission on 19 November 1997 as part of a six-astronaut crew tasked with piloting Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. Chawla became the first Indian woman ever to go into space. Chawla spoke the following words while floating through space: “You are simply your intelligence.” Ultimately, she had traveled an estimated 10.67 million kilometers – equal to 252 times around Earth! On her initial mission, Chawla traveled over 10-4/6.5 million miles in 252 orbits of Earth logging over 376 hours (15 days and 16 hours). During STS-87, she was responsible for deploying the Spartan Satellite which malfunctioned, leading to Winston Scott and Takao Doi undertaking a spacewalk to recover it. NASA conducted a five-month investigation that exonerated Chawla by identifying errors in software interfaces and procedures used by both flight crew and ground control. Following completion of STS-87 postflight activities, Chawla was assigned technical positions within astronaut office for work on space station projects.

Second Space Mission and Death

Chawla returned to space aboard Space Shuttle Columbia during its tragic STS-107 mission, conducting nearly 80 experiments focused on Earth and space science, advanced technology development and astronaut health and safety. Due to scheduling conflicts and technical problems – like finding cracks in engine flow liners in July 2002 – this flight was repeatedly postponed until 16 January 2003 when she finally made it back aboard Columbia on that fateful mission.

At launch time for Columbia’s 28th mission – STS-107 – foam insulation detached from her external tank and struck Columbia’s port wing, which caused minor damage compared to earlier shuttle missions; some engineers suspected more serious damage was sustained. NASA limited further investigation, reasoning that its crew could not have repaired such issues had they been confirmed.

Columbia reentered Earth’s atmosphere damaged, allowing hot atmospheric gases to permeate its internal wing structure and lead to its destruction, leading to instability and eventual break up. Space Shuttle flight operations were suspended for over two years following Columbia’s return, similar to after Challenger was lost; construction on ISS was put on hold and was completely reliant upon Roscosmos State Corporation (RPSC) of Russia for supplies until Shuttle flights resumed with STS-114 mission and crew rotation began again (29 months until STS-114) returned.

Chawla perished along with her six crew members on 1 February 2003 when Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere shortly before concluding its 28th mission, STS-107. Her remains were cremated and scattered at Zion National Park in Utah according to her wishes.

Honours and Recognition

Kalpana Chawla received multiple honors and recognitions for her accomplishments as an astronaut and aerospace engineer, including:

Posthumous Awards

• Congressional Space Medal of Honor (2003)
• NASA Space Flight Medal (2003)
• NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2003)
• Laurel Wreath (2003)
• California Distinguished Service Medal (2003)
• Congressional Gold Medal (2004)
• NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame (2004)
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow (2003)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Distinguished New Engineer Award (2003)
• Texas Woman’s University Distinguished Alumna Award (2003)
• University of Colorado at Boulder Distinguished Engineering Alumna Award (2003)
• Punjab Engineering College Distinguished Alumna Award (2003)

Other Honors and Recognitions

• NASA Exceptional Performance Award (1998)
• NASA Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award (1998)
• NASA Group Achievement Award (2003)
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Mechanics and Control of Flight Award (2003)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Distinguished Service Citation (2003)
• Women in Aerospace International (WAI) Aerospace Educator Award (2003)
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award (2003)

Kalpana Chawla Short Biography

Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2003) was an Indian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer who became the first woman of Indian origin to fly into space in 1997 as a mission Expert and primary robotic arm operator on Space Shuttle Columbia.

Chawla was born in Karnal, Haryana, India in 1962. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in 1982, followed by master’s and doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering from Texas Arlington and Colorado Boulder respectively in 1984 and 1988 respectively.

After receiving her doctorate degree in 1998, Chawla worked as a researcher at NASA Ames Research Center in California before being selected into the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1995.

Chawla made her spaceflight debut during STS-87, which launched on November 19, 1997 and lasted 16 days. Chawla was responsible for operating the robotic arm used to deploy and retrieve the SPARTAN-2 X-ray telescope.

Chawla made her second space mission debut with STS-107, launched January 16, 2003. This 16-day mission carried out science experiments and maintained the Hubble Space Telescope; Chawla again operated its robotic arm during this expedition.

On February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crewmembers on board, including Chawla.

Chawla remains an inspiration to young people everywhere who pursue careers in science and engineering, serving as an inspirational role model for women and girls demonstrating they can achieve whatever their hearts desire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Who was kalpana chawla.

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer. She was the first woman of Indian origin to fly to space.

When was Kalpana Chawla born?

Kalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India

Where was Kalpana Chawla born?

Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal, India.

What have been Kalpana Chawla’s achievements?

Kalpana Chawla participated on two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist: STS-87 in 1997 and STS-107 in 2003, becoming the first Indian woman ever to fly in space. She conducted numerous experiments during these trips including research on plant reproduction in microgravity environments as well as how materials behave under extreme conditions in space.

How did Kalpana Chawla die?

Kalpana Chawla died on February 1, 2003 as part of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, when it disintegrated during its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board.

What is Kalpana Chawla’s legacy?

Kalpana Chawla remains an inspiration to people worldwide. Her achievements as an early pioneer of space exploration have inspired other women and girls to follow in her footsteps and pursue their own ambitions.

What are some of the awards and honors that Kalpana Chawla received

Kalpana Chawla has received multiple honors and awards in recognition of her efforts, such as the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, NASA Space Flight Medal and NASA Distinguished Service Medal – plus she was inducted into the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame!

Have any educational institutions or buildings been named after Kalpana Chawla?

Kalpana Chawla’s name has been immortalized through various educational institutions and buildings around the world, including her namesake space center in Haryana, India and her namesake school in Fremont, California.

What was Kalpana Chawla childhood like?

Kalpana Chawla was an intelligent and inquisitive child. She had a keen interest in airplanes and space exploration, excelled at school, and excelled at her studies.

What were Kalpana Chawlas educational qualifications?

Kalpana Chawla earned her undergraduate aeronautical engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College in India. Following this she obtained both a master’s and PhD degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas Arlington before going on to do her doctoral thesis work at Colorado Boulder.

How did Kalpana Chawla become an astronaut?

Kalpana Chawla earned her PhD and began work as an aerospace engineer at NASA Ames Research Center before being selected into their astronaut program in 1994.

What has Kalpana Chawla contributed to space exploration?

Kalpana Chawla conducted numerous experiments in space, such as research into plant reproduction in microgravity and material behavior in space. She even helped deploy the Spartan Satellite during her debut space mission!

What is the significance of Kalpana Chawla first space flight?

Kalpana Chawla made history when she became the first Indian-origin woman to fly into space in 1993. Her flight inspired people around the globe and proved that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

What has the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster meant for Kalpana Chawla’s legacy?

Kalpana Chawla remains an icon worldwide and her legacy lives on through her many accomplishments that motivate others to pursue their goals and follow in her footsteps. The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster was tragic, but that has not diminished her legacy as an inspiration to people everywhere. Her achievements continue to serve as motivation to achieve them all over again.

How is Kalpana Chawla remembered in India today?

Kalpana Chawla is revered in India as a national hero, serving as an inspirational role model to young people everywhere and inspiring many more to pursue their goals. Her legacy lives on and continues to empower others towards realizing their dreams.

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Remembering Kalpana Chawla: First Indian-born American woman to go to space

Kalpana chawla birth anniversary: chawla received many medals, and awards posthumously for her contributions to space and science research..

Kalpana Chawla — the name that leaves almost all Indians with pride— the first Indian-born woman to fly in space, was born in Karnal, Haryana on March 17, 1962.

As a child, Chawla was very fascinated by aircrafts and flying. She used to visit local flying clubs with her father and would see the planes. She pursued the degree of aeronautical engineering at Punjab Engineering College , Chandigarh after completing her initial studies at Karnal. She moved to the United States in the year 1982 to fulfil her desire of being an astronaut. In 1984 she received a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. She also had a PhD in the same field from the University of Colorado in 1988. In the same year she started working at National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA ) in the US. She married Jean-Pierre Harrison in 1983.

The Indian-origin American astronaut embarked on her first space journey in 1997 on Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator on this mission. She had completed 252 orbits of the earth in 15 days and 16 hours in this mission.

Her second and final journey into space was on STS-107 Space Shuttle Columbia. The 16-day flight was a dedicated science and research mission. The space shuttle disintegrated over Texas while returning into the Earth’s atmosphere on February 1, 2003, killing all the seven crew members including Chawla onboard.

Her last remains were cremated and scattered at National Park in Utah, US as per her wish.

Called KC by her friends, Chawla was admired for her kindness and her constant striving for perfection. She received many medals, and awards posthumously from both the Indian government and the US government for her contributions to space and science research.

MetSat-1, the first satellite under the Met-Sat series, which was launched on September 12, 2002 by India, was renamed Kalpana-1. The Kalpana Chawla Award was established by the Karnataka government to award young women scientists. Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, Haryana was established in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Who was kalpana chawala: early life, education, nasa career, death and legacy.

Who is Kalpana Chawla?

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and engineer. She is also the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She first flew to space in 1997 on Space Shuttle Columbia, where played the role of mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. Her second and final flight on Space Shuttle Columbia was in 2003 where she perished with seven other fellow crew members as the shuttle was re-entering Earth. Besides her aeronautical career, she was also interested in flying aerobatics, tail-wheel aeroplanes and held a license as a Certified Flight Instructor as well as Commercial Pilot’s licences for land and seaplanes.

Early Life 

Born in the Indian city of Karnal in 1962, Chawla was the youngest of four siblings. Being confident and outgoing as she was known to be, she is said to have chosen her own name. At the time of her admission to a nearby school, she had not been given a formal name and was called by her nickname, Monto at home. As the principal asked Chawla to pick a name amongst the three names her family had in mind—Kalpana, Jyotsna and Sunaina. She happened to confidently pick ‘Kalpana’. 

Her interest in aeroplanes and flying had taken roots since her early childhood.  Karnal, being one of the few Indian towns at the time to have a flying club, would often see planes flying over, which Chawla had come to notice and enjoy watching. She was taken on a ride on the Pushpak and a glider by her father, an experience she fondly remembered.

Education 

Kalpna Chawla attended the Tagore Baal Niketan Sr. Sec. School in Karnal for her early education and went on to complete her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Punjab Engineering College at Chandigarh in 1982. She subsequently moved to the United States in 1984 to study at the University of Texas at Arlington. She went on to pursue an M.S. degree in aerospace engineering here. She also completed a second M.S. degree in 1986 as well as a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1988. 

NASA Career 

In 1988, Chawla started her work as vice president of Overset Methods, Inc. at the NASA Ames Research Centre. As a part of her role, she researched the simulation of complex air flows encountered around aircrafts. In 1993 Kalpana Chawla joined Overset Methods Inc., Los Altos, California, as Vice President and Research Scientist where she was responsible for forming a team of researchers for the development and implementation of efficient aerodynamic optimisation techniques. 

In December 1994, Kalpna Chawla was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in the 15th Group of Astronauts and reported to the Johnson Space Centre from March 1995 onwards. As a result of completing a year of training and evaluation, she was assigned as crew representative for the Astronaut Office EVA/Robotics and Computer Branches to work on technical issues. Her role included assignments on the development of Robotic Situational Awareness Displays and testing space shuttle control software in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory. Following this role, she was assigned as a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator in November 1996 on Space Shuttle mission STS-87. Chawla had her first opportunity to fly in space in November 1997 as a part of this mission. The shuttle made 252 orbits of the Earth in a little over two weeks and carried out various experiments and observing tools on its trip. Chawla deployed a Spartan satellite from the shuttle which studied the outer layer of the sun but ended up malfunctioning.

In 2000, she was selected for her second mission as a part of the crew of STS-107. The mission was repeatedly delayed and ended up finally launching on January 16, 2003. For the 16-day flight to space, Chawla’s role included the microgravity experiments, for which almost 80 experiments were conducted by the crew, studying earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety.

As the crew of STS-107 was re-entering Earth on completing its 16-day flight duration on February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia and the crew, including Kalpna Chawla, perished about 16 minutes before its scheduled landing. Investigations following the incident found that a hole on one of the wings of the space shuttle led to hot atmospheric gases penetrating its heat shield, subsequently causing internal damages and the shuttle blowing up.

A 13-minute video recording of the astronauts, made during the start of the re-entry showed the crew conducting routine procedures and sharing jokes, indicating they had no idea of what was to come.

Even after her death, Kalpna Chawla remains a massive form of inspiration to many Indian women for her achievements as well as for her successful career as an astronaut. Her legacy lives on in many ways. In her honour, the Haryana government in India set up a medical college and hospital in Karnal, along with names a planetarium in Jyotisar after her. The government of Karnataka as well instituted the Kalpna Chawla award in 2003 to recognise women scientists. At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEL) in the United States, the Indian Students Association (ISA) launched the Kalpana Chawla Memorial Scholarship program. The University of Chicago has also renamed its Alumni Award to The Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Alumni Award. India's first weather satellite, the Kalpana 1, was also named after the astronaut.

The University of Texas dedicated a memorial to Chawla at the Arlington College of Engineering in 2010. The memorial display included a flight suit, photographs, information about her life.

What you can learn from Kalpana Chawla 

1. Giving Back

Even after moving to a different country to establish a successful aeronautical career, Chawla remained close to her roots and believed in helping others. When she became an astronaut, NASA invited her school in India to take part in their Summer Space Experience Program. Chawla felt strongly about providing science education opportunities for young girls in India. Each year, from 1998, the school sent two girls to the Foundation for International Space Education’s United Space School in Houston, USA.

2. Persistence

Kalpna Chawla often spoke of her family’s hesitance in letting her pursue a career in the aeronautical and engineering space. However, as persistent she was, Chawla stuck through her passion and tried her best to fulfil her dreams, something we all can take cues from. 

3. Confidence

In Chawla’s time, it was not often that one saw many women in the field of aeronautics, let alone women who were willing to move countries to pursue their careers in space. This, however, failed to deter Chawla from her path and she confidently led the way to a whole new generation of inspired women. 

Being the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space, Kalpna Chawla opened doors to many young women in India to pursue a career in the space of aeronautics as well as science as a whole. Even today, she remains an icon for women from all walks of life thanks to her achievements and hard work.

FAQs   

Kalpana Chawla was an astronaut and also the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. Her first trip to space was in 1997 on Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. 

What did Kalpana Chawla study?

Kalpana Chawla completed her early education from the Tagore Baal Niketan Sr. Sec. School in Karnal, and Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College at Chandigarh in 1982. Her educational journey in the United States include an M.S. degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Describe Kalpana Chawla's first mission in space

Kalpana Chawla was assigned as a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 by NASA in 1996, which led to her first opportunity to fly in space in Movember 1997. Her role in the mission involved deploying the Spartan Satellite into space. As a part of the mission, she logged more than 15 days and 16 hours in space.

What was the Space Shuttle Columbia mission?

The Space Shuttle Columbia was Chawla’s second mission to space with NASA, where she was a part of the crew of STS-107. As a part of the mission, which was a 16-day flight to space, Chawla was responsible for the microgravity experiments to study earth and space science as well as astronaut health and safety.

How did Kalpna Chawla die?

At the end of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission, the crew of STS-107, along with Kalpna Chawla, perished following an explosion during their re-entry to Earth. This took place about 16 minutes before its scheduled landing on earth and was a result of a hole on one of the wings of the space shuttle led to hot atmospheric gases penetrating its heat shield and causing the shuttle to blow up. Chawla died on February 1, 2003.

Image Source: Kalpanachawlacholars.org

Kalpana Chawla (Astronaut) Age, Biography, Husband, Facts & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Kalpana Chawla

• Kalpana’s parents hail from the Multan district of West Punjab (now Pakistan). When her father, Banarsi Lal, Chawla was leaving his hometown of Sheikhopura, communal riots broke out. He was one of the few survivors who managed to reach India safely but without any possessions.
• In order to make a living, her father became a street hawker and started selling commodities like candies, dates, soaps, groundnuts, etc. However, luck soon bestowed upon him and he opened his own textile shop in the locality. A few years later, he became a self-taught engineer and began manufacturing tyres when the Indian market was flooded with the imported ones. Meanwhile, he married Sanyogitha, whose family also came from the same region in Pakistan.
• Strangely, Kalpana’s parents did not give her any formal name and referred to her only by her nickname, ‘Monto’. However, one day when her aunt took Kalpana for admission to a nearby nursery school, the principal asked her name. ‘We have three names in mind — Kalpana, Jyotsna and Sunaina, but we haven’t decided,’ replied her aunt. The principal then asked the young girl if she would like to choose any of these names, to which the girl replied ‘Kalpana’. Hence, Kalpana chose her own name!
• From a young age, Kalpana was fascinated by stars and planets. Once when she and her classmates built a physical geography map of India covering the floor of an entire classroom in her school, she covered its ceiling completely with stars (sparkling dots marked on blackened newspapers)!
• Whenever the teachers of her class asked students to draw a scenery, she would always draw airplanes flying in the sky.
• When she saw the pictures of the red planet, Mars, in a weekly magazine, she decided to pursue a career in the field of aerospace.
• In the year 1988, she began working at the NASA Ames Research Center , where she did Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research on Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing concepts . 5 years later, she was appointed as the Vice President of the Overset Methods , Inc at Nasa Research Centre.
• The year 1997 proved to be a pivotal year in her career as her long-awaited dream of ‘walking’ in the space finally became a reality. Her first flight was on Space Shuttle Columbia STS-87 as a mission specialist . With this, she became the first Indian-origin women to go to space.
• Kalpana was a certified pilot  with a commercial license for seaplanes, multi-engine airplanes, and gliders. In addition, she was also a c ertified flight instructor for glider and airplanes.
• In her first mission, Kalpana travelled over 10.5 million miles in 252 orbits of the earth, thus staying for more than 372 hours in space.
• In 2000, Kalpana was selected for her second flight as part of the crew of doomed Space Shuttle Columbia. The mission was repeatedly delayed and Kalpana returned to space 3 years later in 2003.
• Following the accident, NASA issued a statement in which it said that the scientists at the research centre knew beforehand that the shuttle had been damaged and the crew might not survive re-entry. However, they refrained themselves from informing it to the astronauts as they had no possible way to rescue them.
• In honour of the deceased braveheart, the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihar Vajpayee, renamed the satellite ‘MetSat-1’ to ‘Kalpana-1’.
• Even the USA did not move away from acknowledging the efforts of Chawla. As a result, the 74th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City was renamed to ‘ Kalpana Chawla street’.
• NASA has even dedicated a supercomputer to Kalpana.
• ‘Star Trek’ novelist Peter David has named a shuttlecraft- The Chawla, in his book,  Star Trek: The Next Generation: Before Dishonor.
• The NASA Mars Exploration Rover once discovered 7 peaks in a chain of hills on the Red Planet. Hence the space agency, as a tribute to the 2003 Columbia disaster, named the entire chain as ‘Columbia Hills’ and all 7 peaks after each of the seven members.
• The Haryana state government has set up a medical college and hospital in Karnal worth INR 650 crore in her honour.

References/Sources: [ + ]

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• Raising A Confident Child

The Story of Kalpana Chawla: An Inspiration for Your Child

Does your child want to become an astronaut? Then Kalpana Chawla's story will inspire her. This article narrates the life history of Kalpana Chawla charting out her path to NASA.

Does your child gaze at twinkling stars and wonder what they are? Do her little fingers yearn to, one day, touch the fluffy clouds? Then, let the story of Kalpana Chawla inspire your child. For, the biography of this Indian-American astronaut who is also the first woman of Indian origin to conquer space, deserves to be written in gold. From being born in a small town in India to reach where no Indian woman has gone before followed by her tragic demise, the story of this first female Indian astronaut is truly worth a biopic.

As a parent, information about her life history, the career-path she followed and her flight to success will help kindle your child's interest in space. Here's an insight into the life of this great astronaut who did India proud.

Kalpana Chawla - The first female Indian astronaut

Kalpana's parents must have had great foresight when they named their child Kalpana, meaning 'imagination'. For, in Kalpana's own words, she was led by, "A strong desire to travel beyond the blue yonder, to fly into the heavens and touch the stars someday ..."

Kalpana Chawla - Early life

Born in the sleepy little town of Karnal, Haryana, Kalpana Chawla was known for her brilliant academic record throughout schooling. She also took part in a whole range of extra-curricular activities - from athletics to dance. While others of her age were playing with dolls, Kalpana loved to sketch and paint airplanes. She made aero-models, and models of the universe and constellations, for science and geography projects in school. Her academic inclinations and interests in aeromodelling laid the foundation for a great journey to outer space that eventually rewrote many records.

Kalpana passed out of Tagore Bal Niketan School, Karnal in 1976. It is believed that at DAV College for Women, where she pursued her pre-university, a 'sets' theory session got her even more motivated to become an astronaut .

Kalpana Chawla - Education

A few years later, Kalpana graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College. It should be noted that she was the only girl in the Aeronautics branch of her college. She was also the secretary of the Aero-Astro club of her college. During her very first year there, she presented a paper on time lapse in space. Shortly after completing her engineering degree, Kalpana was offered a job at HAL, Bangalore, but she turned it down as she was committed to taking her space ambitions further.

In pursuit of her dream, Kalpana applied for Graduate Aeronautical Engineering programmes in three very prominent institutions in the USA. Although she got selected in all three institutions, Kalpana opted for the MS degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas. This was followed by another MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988.

Kalpana began working at NASA's Ames Research Center the same year. Meanwhile, inspired by JRD Tata, she took to flying and obtained her commercial pilot licenses for single and multi-engine airplanes, seaplanes and gliders.

Kalpana Chawla - At NASA

In 1994, the much-awaited dream was about to come true with NASA selecting Kalpana for astronaut training . She had to undergo evaluation for one year - an arduous process which required immense levels of fitness. Kalpana Chawla's determination saw her through this rigorous training programme. In 1996, she was assigned the role of a mission specialist on STS-87 Columbia. In 1997, she finally realised her dream by being a part of a six-astronaut crew aboard the STS-87. Of her first trip to space, Kalpana said that sunrises and sunsets defined her experience in outer space. She yearned for a second chance and that came in 2003, when she was a part of the crew of STS-107, on a 16-day mission dedicated to science and research. On being selected again, she had then said, "Doing it again is like living a dream - a good dream - once again." But, sadly, this time she went off on an eternal voyage to outer space, never to return.

On February 1, 2003, when the shuttle was making its re-entry into the earth's atmosphere, tragedy struck. Sixteen minutes prior to the scheduled landing, the space shuttle disintegrated, thus ending a great space chapter.

Kalpana will be remembered not only for her spectacular feats, but also for her message to children.

"Material interests are not the only guiding light. It is something you'd enjoy doing in the long run. Take the time to figure out how to get there. The quickest way may not necessarily be the best. The journey matters as much as the goal. Listen to the sounds of Nature. Wishing you the best on your trek towards your dreams. Take good care of our fragile planet," she had said.

In fact, Kalpana Chawla was remembered as 'a great friend and mentor' by another American astronaut of Indian origin, Sunita Williams. This famous woman astronaut took off on the space shuttle 'Discovery' to the ISS (International Space Station) on 9 December 2006 and set two records for women in space - being more than 29 hours outside the spacecraft on four spacewalks and spending more than 195 days in space. The latter record was broken by the Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti in 2015. On 15 July 2012, Sunita Williams set off on her second trip to space on Soyuz TMA-05M and spent nearly 127 days in space.

Truly inspirational - the achievements of Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams! Let your child too dream big and soar high!

About the author:

Written by Dr Priscilla J S Selvaraj, PhD (Eng & Edu) on 4 August 2017; updated on 6 September 2019

The author is an educationist, language specialist and writer. In a career spanning over two decades, she has taught from preschool to B-School and trained teachers, master trainers and software professionals. She is also a former member of curriculum and syllabus development committees (Govt of Tamil Nadu). Her passion for the written word matches her enthusiasm for entertaining little kids by breaking out into nursery rhymes.

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