The First Indian Origin Women In Space

The tragic loose to the Columbia space shuttle that took seven astronauts lives. One of those, Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian origin woman in space.

She was born in Karnal, India on July, 1 1961. Kalpana was youngest among four children. The meaning of her name is idea or imagination. Her full named pronounced CULL-puh-na CHAV-la, though she often called by the nickname K. C.

Kalpana obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College before immigrating to USA and became the permanent citizen in the 1980’s. She graduated as doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988, having previously obtained her master’s degree from the University of Texas. She began working at NASA Ames Research Centre the same year.

1994 was the best year for her as she was selected as astronaut, after the year of training she became the crew representative for the Astronaut officer EVA/Robotics Situational Awareness Displays and tested software for the space shuttle.

Chawla first opportunity to fly the space came in November 1997 aboard space shuttle Columbia on flight STS-87.

Disaster Strikes

In 2000, Chawla was selected for her second voyage serving again as a mission specialist on STS-107. This mission delayed many times but executed in 2003. Over the course of 16 day light, the crew completed over 80 experiments.

Over the course of two missions, Chawla logged 30 days 14 hour 15 min in space. After her first launch she said “when you look at the stars and galaxy you feel that you are just the piece of the land, but from the solar system.

By: Lakshender S Angras

Content: https://www.space.com/17056-kalpana-chawla-biography.html