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Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman to travel to space, continues to inspire millions worldwide. Born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, she fulfilled her childhood dream of flying and went on to become a NASA astronaut. She tragically lost her life in February 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated while returning to Earth.
On her birth anniversary, we celebrate her achievements and legacy.
10 Facts About Kalpana Chawla
- Born in Haryana: Kalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India.
- First Woman in Aeronautical Engineering: She was the first woman to study aeronautical engineering at Punjab Engineering College.
- Moved to the US for Higher Studies: In 1982, she moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas.
- Earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering: She completed her PhD from the University of Colorado in 1988.
- Joined NASA in 1988: After completing her studies, she started working at NASA’s Ames Research Center.
- Became an Astronaut in 1994: She was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1994.
- First Space Mission in 1997: In 1997, she flew to space on the Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and robotic arm operator.
- Final Space Mission in 2003: Her second spaceflight, STS-107, ended in tragedy when Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, killing all seven crew members.
- Honored After Death: In her memory, the first satellite in the MetSat series was renamed Kalpana-1.
- A Lasting Legacy: Kalpana Chawla received several awards in both India and the US, and continues to inspire women in science and space exploration.
Tributes on Her Birth Anniversary
Several leaders paid tribute to Kalpana Chawla on her birth anniversary:
🔹 Dr. Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad: "Remembering India's 'Space Star' Kalpana Chawla, who inspires women to chase their dreams. A big salute to this high-flyer."
🔹 Mallikarjun Kharge: "Her legacy stands as a symbol of female empowerment and gender equality, inspiring millions across the world."
Kalpana Chawla's incredible journey continues to motivate young minds to reach for the stars.
