02 Nov,2023
Kalpana Chawla was born on July 1, 1961, in Karnal, Haryana, India.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College and later a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Chawla became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1991.
She joined NASA in 1995 and was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996.
Kalpana Chawla's first spaceflight was on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, making her the first woman of Indian descent to travel to space.
In 2003, she embarked on her second mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, which tragically disintegrated during reentry, leading to her untimely death.
Chawla's dedication and achievements inspired many, especially women and people of Indian descent, to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
She received several awards and honors posthumously, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Kalpana Chawla's legacy lives on through scholarships, institutions, and awards named in her honor, aimed at promoting STEM education and space exploration.
Kalpana Chawla is remembered as a pioneering astronaut who made significant contributions to space exploration and continues to inspire future generations.