Kalpana Chawla

Date of Birth: March 17, 1962

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 1, 2003

Biography

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and engineer who made history as the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. Born in Karnal, Haryana, India, Chawla had always dreamed of exploring the skies. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in India before moving to the United States to further her education. She obtained a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. Chawla joined NASA in 1988 and became an astronaut in 1994. Her first mission to space was aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. She flew again on the ill-fated STS-107 mission in 2003, which ended tragically when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, leading to her death along with six other crew members. Despite her untimely death, Kalpana Chawla remains an inspirational figure in both India and the United States, remembered for her contributions to space exploration and her pioneering spirit.

5 Interesting Facts about Kalpana Chawla

1. Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space.

2. She logged over 30 days in space over the course of her two missions.

3. Chawla was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously.

4. Several educational institutions and scholarships have been named in her honor, including the Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College in Karnal, India.

5. An asteroid, 51826 Kalpanachawla, was named in her honor by NASA.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kalpana Chawla

1. “The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”

2. “You are just your intelligence.”

3. “The journey matters as much as the goal.”

4. “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.”

5. “Do something because you really want to do it. If you’re doing it just for the goal and don’t enjoy the path, then I think you’re cheating yourself.”