Kalpana Chawla was a trailblazing astronaut who made history in the field of space exploration. Here are 10 must-know facts about her life and accomplishments.
1. Early Life and Education
Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal, India, on March 17, 1962. She earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.
2. NASA Career
Chawla joined NASA in 1995 as a research scientist. She was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996 and completed her training in 1998. She made her first flight aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1997.
3. Space Missions
Chawla flew on two space shuttle missions, STS-87 in 1997 and STS-107 in 2003. During her second mission, she conducted science experiments and logged more than 80 hours in orbit.
4. Groundbreaking Accomplishments
Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space. She was also the first Indian woman to receive a degree in aeronautical engineering and the first Indian-born woman to be trained as an astronaut by NASA.
5. Spacewalks
During her second mission, Chawla performed a six-hour spacewalk with her crewmate, astronaut David Brown. This was the first time two people of Indian origin had flown together in space.
6. Love of Flying
Chawla was passionate about flying and obtained her private pilot’s license in 1995. She also served as a flight instructor and wrote papers on topics related to aerospace engineering.
7. Legacy
Chawla inspired many with her dedication to the space program and her groundbreaking achievements. In her honor, the Kalpana Chawla Award was established to recognize women who have made significant contributions to the field of aviation.
8. Tragic Loss
Chawla and her fellow crew members perished in the STS-107 mission when the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. She was 41 years old at the time of her death.
9. Honors and Awards
Chawla received numerous honors and awards throughout her career, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the NASA Space Flight Medal.
10. Inspiration
Chawla’s inspiring legacy continues to inspire many people around the world. Her achievements have paved the way for future generations of women in science and space exploration.
In conclusion, Kalpana Chawla was a pioneering astronaut whose groundbreaking accomplishments continue to inspire people around the world. Her dedication to the space program and her passion for flying make her an icon in the field of space exploration.
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