write biography about kalpana chawla

Kalpana Chawla: Biography & Columbia disaster

Astronaut Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman in space.

• Astronaut career
• Columbia disaster

Chawla's legacy

Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-born woman to go to space in 1997. Six years later, on February 1, 2003, Chawla died when the space shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. 

Chawla's legacy has lived on, however. In particular, her talent and hard work have inspired young people in India and around Earth to consider careers in spaceflight. 

Born in Karnal, India, on March 17, 1962, to parents Banarasi Lal Chawla and Sanjyothi Chawla, Kalpana Chawla was the youngest of four children. 

Until she started school, Chawla hadn't been formally named. Her parents called her Montu, but Chawla picked her own name from a selection when she entered education. The name Kalpana means "idea" or "imagination." Her full name is pronounced CULL-pah-na CHAU-la , though she often went by the nickname K.C.

As a child, Chawla developed an interest in flying after first seeing a plane at around the age of three. She spent days with her father visiting her local flying club with her father and showed an interest in aviation while at school. 

Related : Columbia Disaster: What happened and what NASA learned

During her earlier education in India, Chawla attended Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Secondary School, Karnal. 

Chawla obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College. When selecting the course, professors tried to dissuade her, as there were limited opportunities for girls in India following this career path. However, Chawla was adamant that this was the subject for her.

After completing her engineering degree in India, Chawla immigrated to the United States in the 1980s and became a naturalized citizen to continue her studies. She obtained her masters degree from the University of Texas and earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988.

Chawla began working at NASA's Ames Research Center the same year, working on powered-lift computational fluid dynamics. In particular, her work focused on understanding how air flows around an aircraft during flight and incorporating computers into the work.

Becoming an astronaut

In 1994, Chawla was selected as an astronaut candidate. After a year of training, she became a crew representative for the Astronaut Office EVA/Robotics and Computer Branches, where she worked with Robotic Situational Awareness Displays and tested software for the space shuttles.

Chawla felt passionately about providing science education opportunities for young girls in India, and during her time as an astronaut, NASA invited Chawla's secondary school to take part in their Summer Space Experience Program. Each year from 1998, the school sent two girls to the Foundation for International Space Education's United Space School in Houston and Chawla would invite them into her home for an Indian dinner.

Chawla's first flight came in November 1997, aboard the space shuttle Columbia on flight STS-87 . The shuttle made 252 orbits of the Earth in just over two weeks. Chawla was a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator for the flight; the other astronauts on board were Kevin Kregel, Steven Linsey, Winston Scott, Takao Doi and Leonid Kadenyuk.

The shuttle carried a number of experiments, including projects studying plant reproduction in microgravity and how materials behave in space.

In addition, Chawla used the robotic arm to deploy a satellite called SPARTAN 201, which was meant to study the outer layer of the sun , called the corona. However, the satellite malfunctioned and could not control its position upon deployment, according to NASA . Two other astronauts from the mission had to perform a spacewalk to recapture the satellite and the instrument never conducted any research.

After her first flight, Chawla said, "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."

The Columbia disaster

In 2000, Chawla was selected for her second voyage into space, to serve as a mission specialist on STS-107 . The mission was delayed several times before finally launching on Jan. 16, 2003.

During the 16-day flight, the crew completed more than 80 experiments, working a strenuous shift schedule to ensure that the research never stopped, according to NASA . Among other work, the STS-107 crew tested technology that NASA wanted to recycle water on the young International Space Station. Experiments developed by elementary school students from around the world analyzed how insects and fish respond to spaceflight; another suite of experiments studied the sun.

In particular, the flight carried a large pressurized chamber called the Spacehab research module inside the shuttle's payload bay. The experiments completed in the Spacehab module focused on biological and health sciences.

Between her two missions, Chawla logged 30 days, 14 hours, and 54 minutes in space.

On the morning of Feb. 1, 2003, the space shuttle returned to Earth, intending to land at Kennedy Space Center . But as the shuttle passed through Earth's atmosphere, hot gas streamed into the shuttle's wing where a briefcase-sized piece of insulation had broken off during launch and damaged the thermal protection system, the shield that protects it from heat during re-entry.

The unstable craft rolled and bucked, pitching the astronauts about. Less than a minute passed before the ship depressurized, killing the crew . Also on board were Rick Husband, Laurel Clark, Ilan Ramon, David Brown, William McCool and Michael Anderson.

The shuttle broke up over Texas and Louisiana before plunging into the ground. The accident was the second major disaster for the space shuttle program, following the 1986 explosion of the shuttle Challenger .

Related : Debris from space shuttle Columbia disaster found in Texas

NASA and independent groups both investigated the Columbia disaster in hopes of preventing another such tragedy. Examples include the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (2003) and NASA's Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report (released in 2008).

Each year, NASA marks the loss of the Columbia crew, as well as the crews of the Challenger space shuttle and Apollo 1, on the last Thursday of January; the fatal missions are also regularly referenced when NASA personnel discuss the importance of prioritizing safety in human spaceflight.

No NASA mission has been fatal since the Columbia disaster.

Shortly after the Columbia disaster, scientists named seven asteroids after each crewmember as a "celestial memorial." To mark the first anniversary of the disaster, NASA also named seven hills on Mars for the lost crew.

The University of Texas dedicated a Kalpana Chawla memorial at the Arlington College of Engineering in 2010. At the time of its opening, the display included a flight suit, photographs, information about Chawla's life, and a flag that was flown over the Johnson Space Center during a memorial for the Columbia astronauts.

In October 2020, a commercial cargo spacecraft named after Chawla launched to the International Space Station (ISS). Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus capsule was named the S.S. Kalpana Chawla, as it is the company’s policy to dedicate their Cygnus capsules to someone who has played a pivotal role in human spaceflight.

"Chawla was selected in honor of her prominent place in history as the first woman of Indian descent to go to space," Northrop Grumman officials wrote in a statement .

Additional resources and reading

Chawla's widower, Jean-Pierre Harrison, wrote a biography called " The Edge of Time ," which he published in 2011. In addition, several documentaries have been produced about the Columbia crew, including " Astronaut Diaries: Remembering the Columbia Shuttle Crew " (2005), and one that focused on astronaut Ilan Ramon, called " Space Shuttle Columbia: Mission of Hope " (2013).

Bibliography:

• NASA, "Asteroids Dedicated to Space Station Columbia Crew," Aug. 6, 2003. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/asteroids-dedicated-to-space-shuttle-columbia-crew
• NASA, "Biographical Data: Kalpana Chawla," Feb. 2003. https://history.nasa.gov/columbia/Troxell/Columbia%20Web%20Site/Biographies/Crew%20Profile%20Information/Crew%20Biographies/ASTRON~1.HTM
• NASA, "NASA Dedicates Mars Landmarks to Columbia Crew," Feb. 2, 2004. https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2004/feb/HQ_04048_columbia_landmarks.html
• NASA, "STS-87 Day 4 Highlights," accessed Feb. 10, 2022. https://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-87/sts-87-day-04-highlights.html
• NASA Life Sciences Data Archive, "STS-87," accessed Feb. 10, 2022. https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/Mission/miss/101
• NASA Life Sciences Data Archive, "STS-107," accessed Feb. 10, 2022. https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/Mission/miss/194

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Kalpana Chawla, PhD, was an engineer, pilot, and astronaut who spent more than 30 days in space over two Space Shuttle missions.

Chawla was born in Karnal, India, and was fascinated by flight since her childhood. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Panjab Engineering College, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas-Arlington, and a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Chawla held numerous pilot licenses, including for airplanes, gliders, and seaplanes.

After completing her PhD in 1988, Chawla joined NASA’s Ames Research Center, where she specialized in the fluid dynamics of aircraft. She later continued aerodynamics research in the private sector. In 1991 Chawla became a United States citizen. NASA selected Chawla as an astronaut in late 1994 and she began astronaut training in 1995.

In addition to preparing for spaceflight, astronauts are also tasked with ground-based technical projects. Chawla worked on the development of the Robotic Situational Awareness Display, a tool to help astronauts operate robotic arms. She also tested space shuttle control software.

Mission specialist Kalpana Chawla on board Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-107. (Image courtesy of NASA)

Chawla flew on two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist. On November 19, 1997, she launched on board Space Shuttle Columbia as part of STS-87. Chawla specialized in operating the robotic arm, which she used to deploy the Spartan Satellite. During the 16-day mission, the crew conducted numerous experiments, with a focus on materials science. Chawla made history as the first Indian woman, and the first South Asian American woman, to fly in space. Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumal Gujral called Chawla in space to congratulate her on her journey and express pride in her representing India in space.

On January 16, 2003, Chawla launched on board Space Shuttle Columbia once more as part of STS-107. During this 16-day mission, the crew performed over 80 scientific experiments, with Chawla overseeing and conducting microgravity experiments on crystal growth, combustion and fire suppression, as well as prostate cancer. Chawla and the other six crewmembers–commander Rick D. Husband, pilot William C. McCool, mission specialists David M. Brown, Michael P. Anderson, and Laurel B. Clark, and payload specialist Ilan Ramon–were tragically killed when Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry on February 1, 2003.

Chawla posthumously received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Congressional Space Medal of Honor in recognition of her career and sacrifice. A selection of her papers are housed in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Archives.

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Wonder of the Day #2946

Who Was Kalpana Chawla?

SCIENCE — Earth and Space

Have You Ever Wondered...

• Who was Kalpana Chawla?
• What goals did Chawla accomplish?
• Who was the first female Indian astronaut?
• Earth And Space ,
• Astronaut ,
• Engineering ,
• Kalpana Chawla ,
• Women's History

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by matthew. matthew Wonders , “ How did the space ship Columbia fail? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, matthew!

Do you dream of becoming an astronaut ? Lots of people grow up wondering what it would be like to travel through space . Like the subject of today’s Wonder, some work hard to make that dream a reality. Let’s learn together about astronaut and engineer Kalpana Chawla.  

Kalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962. She and her family lived in Karnal, a city in the North Indian state of Haryana. As a child, Kalpana was very interested in planes . Chawla and her father watched local flying clubs together. She chose her own name when she started school. Kalpana can mean “idea” or “imagination” in Hindi. 

Chawla earned several flight licenses . She piloted gliders and planes with different engines and gained certification as a flight instructor. She enjoyed flying stunts.  

She received her first college degree in 1982. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering while still in India. Professors tried to talk her out of studying her chosen field. They said that girls couldn’t go very far with that education. Chawla persisted in doing what she loved.  

After moving to the U.S., Chawla studied aerospace engineering and got a Master’s degree. In 1988, the University of Colorado granted her a PhD in the same subject. That year, Chawla started working at NASA .  

Chawla focused on studying air flow around aircraft during flight. She tested ways to use computers in her work. Her research used software that mimicked what happened to aircraft during complex moving problems.  

She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1991. That same year, Chawla applied to the NASA Astronaut Corps. NASA selected her in December 1994. She joined the 15th Group of Astronauts as a candidate in March 1995.  

Chawla was proud that she had proved her former professors wrong. She found a career in her field! She wanted other girls to have the same opportunity. Starting in 1998, NASA invited two students from Chawla’s school in India to the Summer Space Experience Program. She prepared a traditional Indian dinner at her home each year for the students. 

After extensive training and testing, NASA assigned Kalpana Chawla her first space flight mission . On November 19, 1997, she was one of six on the crew for mission STS-87 of the space shuttle Columbia. Chawla was to operate the robotic arm to launch a satellite . She made history as the first Indian woman in space. Chawla and the crew orbited the Earth 252 times on the mission . 

Her second mission for NASA was also aboard the Columbia. On January 16, 2003, Chawla and six others launched for a 16-day flight. The crew performed 80 microgravity experiments. NASA scheduled the shuttle to land February 1, 2003. A problem with insulation on a wing caused the craft to break apart before touching down. There were no survivors. 

Since her passing, the U.S. and India have given Chawla several awards. NASA gave her the Distinguished Service Medal. They gave her the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. They named an asteroid, a hill on Mars , memorials, buildings and spacecraft in her honor.  

Are you inspired by women like Kalpana Chawla? Would you like to fly into space or be the first to accomplish a goal? Dare to dream big!

Common Core , Next Generation Science Standards , and National Council for the Social Studies ."> Standards : AASL.D.IV, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.3, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.4, CCRA.L.5, CCRA.L.6, NCAS.CR.1

Wonder What's Next?

Bring your appetite — tomorrow we’re chomping into a wonder that’s a chip off the old block.

It takes a lot of training, testing, and ability to become an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla! Give these activities a try to see if you’ve got the right stuff to one day follow in her footsteps.

• Chawla and other astronauts have been quoted about their feelings when viewing the Earth from space. Imagine traveling around our planet from far above. Use your creative thinking to write a poem or narrative about the experience. Be sure to include lots of description on what you might see and feel! Share your writing with family and friends and discuss how they think it might feel to be an astronaut.
• What do you think you might see while traveling in space? A view of the Earth? Maybe a chance to spot your hometown from miles and miles above? Whoosh! A satellite might pass by your window at some point. Use your thinking cap about all there is to see in space, and make a drawing. You can use materials you have around your home or a Canva template . Show your new work to friends and trusted adults and talk about what you drew and why!
• Kalpana Chawla was outstanding as the first Indian woman to go to space. There are others who broke barriers to join the elite ranks as astronauts. Ask an adult to take you on a field trip to the local library. Do some reading on others who were astronauts. (You can use this site as a starting point, if you want.) Pick an astronaut you admire from your research. Create a presentation about the person and why you chose them to share with others!  

Wonder Sources

• https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed 5 May, 2023)
• https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/kalpana-chawla (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kalpana-chawla-birthday-remembering-indian-origin-s-first-woman-astronaut-101679026074176.html (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/chawla_kalpana.pdf (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://www.space.com/17056-kalpana-chawla-biography.html (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)
• https://kids.kiddle.co/Kalpana_Chawla (accessed 19 Apr., 2023)

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Wonder contributors.

We’d like to thank:

matthew , Gabriella , James and Evan for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!

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Wonder Words

• microgravity
• aeronautical

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Question 1 of 3

This Wonder is mostly about . . .

• a NASA’s space shuttle Columbia missions. Not Quite!
• b The life of Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla. Correct!
• c The history of the U.S. space program. Not Quite!
• d Experiments conducted in space. Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

Which statement about Kalpana Chawla is a fact?

• a She was born and raised in India. Not Quite!
• b She named herself. Not Quite!
• c She immigrated to the U.S. Not Quite!
• d All of the above. Correct!

Question 3 of 3

In which order did these events occur?

• a Kalpana Chawla orbited Earth. Kalpana Chawla left India. Kalpana Chawla studied aeronautic engineering. Not Quite!
• b Kalpana Chawla studied aeronautic engineering. Kalpana Chawla left India. Kalpana Chawla orbited Earth. Not Quite!
• c Kalpana Chawla left India. Kalpana Chawla orbited Earth. Kalpana Chawla studied aeronautic engineering Not Quite!
• d None of the above. Correct!

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Kalpana Chawla Short Biography

Table of Contents

Biography of Kalpana Chawla in Short

India’s Karnal is the place of birth of Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2003). She was the first Indian woman in space and the first Indian-American astronaut. As a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator, she made her first space flight on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. One of the seven crew members lost in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 was Kalpana Chawla.

Her second voyage occurred on STS-107, Columbia’s last Space Shuttle mission, in 2003. Chawla was one of the seven crew members who perished in the Columbia accident on February 1, 2003, when the spaceship exploded upon re-entering the atmosphere. Chawla received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously, and several streets, colleges, and other establishments bear her name.

At Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Sec School in Karnal, Kalpana Chawla completed her previous education. In 1982, she graduated from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh with a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering. She immigrated to the country in 1982, and in 1984 she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with an M.S. in aeronautical engineering. Later, Kalpana Chawla graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a second M.S. in 1986 and a Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering in 1988.

NASA CAREER

In March 1995, Kalpana Chawla enlisted in the NASA Astronaut Corps, and in 1996, she was chosen for her maiden trip. She said, “You are only your intelligence,” as she was moving through the weightlessness of space. She had logged 10.67 million kilometers or 252 full rotations of the planet.

On November 19, 1997, she launched into orbit as a member of the six-person crew of Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-87. In addition to becoming the second Indian to travel in space after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma in 1984, Kalpana Chawla was also the first woman of Indian descent to do so. In 252 orbits of the Earth during her maiden mission, Chawla covered a distance of more than 10.4 million miles and spent more than 372 hours in space.

Kalpana Chawla Death

We lost Kalpana Chawla in the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle disintegrated over Texas during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. This disaster occurred just before the Space Shuttle was supposed to complete its 28th mission, STS-107.

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Remembering Kalpana Chawla: Facts about the 'Wonder Woman' of space

Kalpana chawla was the first india-born woman to go to space, not once but twice. on the astronaut's birth anniversary, let's read some fascinating facts about her..

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Indian-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla is a role model for not only the women around the world but all the other people who desire to be an astronaut. She was the first India-born woman to go to space and not once but twice.

Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section.

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Biography of Kalpana Chawla | Early Life, Family, Education, Age, Awards and Legacy

Kalpana Chawla (17 March 1962 – 1 February 2003) was an Indian-born American astronaut and aerospace engineer, the first woman of Indian origin to fly into space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator on her inaugural flight in 1997.

Chawla made her second flight aboard STS-107, Columbia’s final mission, in 2003. Unfortunately, Chawla was one of seven crew members killed when it disintegrated upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere on 1 February 2003; posthumously she received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor as well as having multiple streets, universities, and institutions named in her memory.

About Kalpana Chawla

• Real Name:  Kalpana Chawla
• Nickname: Montu
• Profession: Astronaut
• Age:  40 Years (Born 17/March/1962)
• Born:  17 March 1962
• Place of Birth: Karnal, Haryana India
• Height:  163 cm Approx
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Date of Death: 1 February 2003
• Religion: Hinduism
• Hobbies: Reading Poetry, playing Badminton, dancing
• Nationality: American
• Place of Death: Aboard Space Shuttle Columbia over Texas, U.S.
• Death Cause: Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (Accident) which killed all 7 crew members
• Zodiac sign/Sun sign: Cancer
• Hometown: Texas, U.S.
• School: Tagore Bal Niketan School, Karnal
• College/University: Dyal Singh College, Karnal, Haryana
• Kalpana Chawla Father Name: Banarasi Lal Chawla (deceased)
• Kalpana Chawla Mother Name: Sanjyothi Chawla
• Kalpana Chawla Brother Name: Sanjay Chawla
• Kalpana Chawla Sister Name: Sunita, Dipa
• College/University: Dyal Singh College, Karnal, Haryana. Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, India. University of Texas, Arlington, Texas, U.S. University of Colorado, Boulder, U.S.
• Educational Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from University of Texas, Second Masters and PhD degrees in Aerospace Engineering from University of Colorado.
• NASA Missions: STS-87, STS-107
• Spent Combined Time in Space: 54 minutes, 14 hours and 31 days
• Travelled Combined Distance: 10.67 million km
• Awards (Posthumous): Congressional Space Medal of Honor, NASA Space Flight Medal and NASA Distinguished Service Medal
• Marital Status: Married
• Kalpana Affairs/Boyfriends: Jean-Pierre Harrison
• Kalpana Husband/Spouse: Jean-Pierre Harrison
• Marriage Date: 1983 Year
• Children: Son- N/A, Daughter- N/A

Early life and Education

Kalpana Chawla was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, Haryana to a very traditional society; yet she defied expectations by becoming India’s first female astronaut. She completed her secondary education at Tagore Baal Niketan Senior Secondary School of Karnal. As she grew up, Chawla attended local flying clubs with her father to watch planes fly overhead. Chawla earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India before migrating to the United States in 1982 and receiving both her Master of Science degree and PhD in aerospace engineering from University of Texas at Arlington in 1984. Additionally, in 1986 and 1988 from University of Colorado Boulder respectively.

Chawla began her professional career at NASA Ames Research Center, conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research on vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) concepts using CFD simulations. Her findings can be found published in technical journals and conference proceedings. In 1993, she joined Overset Methods Inc as Vice President and Research Scientist specializing in simulating moving multiple body problems. Chawla held both a Certified Flight Instructor rating for airplanes and gliders as well as Commercial Pilot licenses for single engine, multi engine and glider aircraft. After becoming naturalized as an American citizen in April 1991, she applied for and joined NASA Astronaut Corps. Chawla became part of its ranks in March 1995 before taking her inaugural flight in 1997.

First Space Mission

Chawla began her first space mission on 19 November 1997 as part of a six-astronaut crew tasked with piloting Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. Chawla became the first Indian woman ever to go into space. Chawla spoke the following words while floating through space: “You are simply your intelligence.” Ultimately, she had traveled an estimated 10.67 million kilometers – equal to 252 times around Earth! On her initial mission, Chawla traveled over 10-4/6.5 million miles in 252 orbits of Earth logging over 376 hours (15 days and 16 hours). During STS-87, she was responsible for deploying the Spartan Satellite which malfunctioned, leading to Winston Scott and Takao Doi undertaking a spacewalk to recover it. NASA conducted a five-month investigation that exonerated Chawla by identifying errors in software interfaces and procedures used by both flight crew and ground control. Following completion of STS-87 postflight activities, Chawla was assigned technical positions within astronaut office for work on space station projects.

Second Space Mission and Death

Chawla returned to space aboard Space Shuttle Columbia during its tragic STS-107 mission, conducting nearly 80 experiments focused on Earth and space science, advanced technology development and astronaut health and safety. Due to scheduling conflicts and technical problems – like finding cracks in engine flow liners in July 2002 – this flight was repeatedly postponed until 16 January 2003 when she finally made it back aboard Columbia on that fateful mission.

At launch time for Columbia’s 28th mission – STS-107 – foam insulation detached from her external tank and struck Columbia’s port wing, which caused minor damage compared to earlier shuttle missions; some engineers suspected more serious damage was sustained. NASA limited further investigation, reasoning that its crew could not have repaired such issues had they been confirmed.

Columbia reentered Earth’s atmosphere damaged, allowing hot atmospheric gases to permeate its internal wing structure and lead to its destruction, leading to instability and eventual break up. Space Shuttle flight operations were suspended for over two years following Columbia’s return, similar to after Challenger was lost; construction on ISS was put on hold and was completely reliant upon Roscosmos State Corporation (RPSC) of Russia for supplies until Shuttle flights resumed with STS-114 mission and crew rotation began again (29 months until STS-114) returned.

Chawla perished along with her six crew members on 1 February 2003 when Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere shortly before concluding its 28th mission, STS-107. Her remains were cremated and scattered at Zion National Park in Utah according to her wishes.

Honours and Recognition

Kalpana Chawla received multiple honors and recognitions for her accomplishments as an astronaut and aerospace engineer, including:

Posthumous Awards

• Congressional Space Medal of Honor (2003)
• NASA Space Flight Medal (2003)
• NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2003)
• Laurel Wreath (2003)
• California Distinguished Service Medal (2003)
• Congressional Gold Medal (2004)
• NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame (2004)
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow (2003)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Distinguished New Engineer Award (2003)
• Texas Woman’s University Distinguished Alumna Award (2003)
• University of Colorado at Boulder Distinguished Engineering Alumna Award (2003)
• Punjab Engineering College Distinguished Alumna Award (2003)

Other Honors and Recognitions

• NASA Exceptional Performance Award (1998)
• NASA Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award (1998)
• NASA Group Achievement Award (2003)
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Mechanics and Control of Flight Award (2003)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Distinguished Service Citation (2003)
• Women in Aerospace International (WAI) Aerospace Educator Award (2003)
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award (2003)

Kalpana Chawla Short Biography

Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2003) was an Indian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer who became the first woman of Indian origin to fly into space in 1997 as a mission Expert and primary robotic arm operator on Space Shuttle Columbia.

Chawla was born in Karnal, Haryana, India in 1962. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in 1982, followed by master’s and doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering from Texas Arlington and Colorado Boulder respectively in 1984 and 1988 respectively.

After receiving her doctorate degree in 1998, Chawla worked as a researcher at NASA Ames Research Center in California before being selected into the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1995.

Chawla made her spaceflight debut during STS-87, which launched on November 19, 1997 and lasted 16 days. Chawla was responsible for operating the robotic arm used to deploy and retrieve the SPARTAN-2 X-ray telescope.

Chawla made her second space mission debut with STS-107, launched January 16, 2003. This 16-day mission carried out science experiments and maintained the Hubble Space Telescope; Chawla again operated its robotic arm during this expedition.

On February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crewmembers on board, including Chawla.

Chawla remains an inspiration to young people everywhere who pursue careers in science and engineering, serving as an inspirational role model for women and girls demonstrating they can achieve whatever their hearts desire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Who was kalpana chawla.

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer. She was the first woman of Indian origin to fly to space.

When was Kalpana Chawla born?

Kalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India

Where was Kalpana Chawla born?

Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal, India.

What have been Kalpana Chawla’s achievements?

Kalpana Chawla participated on two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist: STS-87 in 1997 and STS-107 in 2003, becoming the first Indian woman ever to fly in space. She conducted numerous experiments during these trips including research on plant reproduction in microgravity environments as well as how materials behave under extreme conditions in space.

How did Kalpana Chawla die?

Kalpana Chawla died on February 1, 2003 as part of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, when it disintegrated during its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board.

What is Kalpana Chawla’s legacy?

Kalpana Chawla remains an inspiration to people worldwide. Her achievements as an early pioneer of space exploration have inspired other women and girls to follow in her footsteps and pursue their own ambitions.

What are some of the awards and honors that Kalpana Chawla received

Kalpana Chawla has received multiple honors and awards in recognition of her efforts, such as the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, NASA Space Flight Medal and NASA Distinguished Service Medal – plus she was inducted into the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame!

Have any educational institutions or buildings been named after Kalpana Chawla?

Kalpana Chawla’s name has been immortalized through various educational institutions and buildings around the world, including her namesake space center in Haryana, India and her namesake school in Fremont, California.

What was Kalpana Chawla childhood like?

Kalpana Chawla was an intelligent and inquisitive child. She had a keen interest in airplanes and space exploration, excelled at school, and excelled at her studies.

What were Kalpana Chawlas educational qualifications?

Kalpana Chawla earned her undergraduate aeronautical engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College in India. Following this she obtained both a master’s and PhD degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas Arlington before going on to do her doctoral thesis work at Colorado Boulder.

How did Kalpana Chawla become an astronaut?

Kalpana Chawla earned her PhD and began work as an aerospace engineer at NASA Ames Research Center before being selected into their astronaut program in 1994.

What has Kalpana Chawla contributed to space exploration?

Kalpana Chawla conducted numerous experiments in space, such as research into plant reproduction in microgravity and material behavior in space. She even helped deploy the Spartan Satellite during her debut space mission!

What is the significance of Kalpana Chawla first space flight?

Kalpana Chawla made history when she became the first Indian-origin woman to fly into space in 1993. Her flight inspired people around the globe and proved that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

What has the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster meant for Kalpana Chawla’s legacy?

Kalpana Chawla remains an icon worldwide and her legacy lives on through her many accomplishments that motivate others to pursue their goals and follow in her footsteps. The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster was tragic, but that has not diminished her legacy as an inspiration to people everywhere. Her achievements continue to serve as motivation to achieve them all over again.

How is Kalpana Chawla remembered in India today?

Kalpana Chawla is revered in India as a national hero, serving as an inspirational role model to young people everywhere and inspiring many more to pursue their goals. Her legacy lives on and continues to empower others towards realizing their dreams.

About The Author

Knowledge Glow

I am Komal Gupta, the founder of Knowledge Glow, and my team and I aim to fuel dreams and help the readers achieve success. While you prepare for your competitive exams, we will be right here to assist you in improving your general knowledge and gaining maximum numbers from objective questions. We started this website in 2021 to help students prepare for upcoming competitive exams. Whether you are preparing for civil services or any other exam, our resources will be valuable in the process.

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Kalpana Chawla Biography: Death Anniversary, Family, Age, Education, Space Missions, Awards, Legacy, and More

Kalpana chawla biography: kalpana chawla was the first indian- born woman to go into space in 1997. she lost her life on 1 february 2003, when the space shuttle columbia was destroyed. let us take a look at kalpana chawla's early life, family, education, career, space missions, honours and recognition, legacy, etc..

Kalpana Chawla Biography: How can we forget the first Indian-born woman to go into space. She is none other than Kalpana Chawla. Today is her death anniversary. On this day in 2003, she lost her life when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed. While re-entering into Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft broke out and killed all seven astronauts on board. 

Kalpana Chawla Biography

Kalpana chawla biography: family, husband, child, age, early life and hobbies.

She was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, India. Her father was Banarasi Lal Chawla and her mother was Sanjyothi Chawla. She was the youngest of four children. She was called by her parents Montu until she started school. When she entered education, Chawla picked her own name. The name 'Kalpana' means "idea" or "imagination". She often went by the nickname K.C.  She enjoyed flying, hiking, back-packing, and reading.

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Education

Kalpana chawla biography: career, becoming an astronaut.

She started work in 1988 at NASA Ames Research Center in the area of powered-lift computational fluid dynamics. She concentrated her research on simulation of complex air flows encountered around aircraft including the Harrier in "ground-effect." 

Kalpana Chawla joined Overset Methods Inc., Los Altos, California, as Vice President and Research Scientist to form a team with other researchers specializing in the simulation of moving multiple body problems in 1993. Her work was to develop and implement efficient techniques to perform aerodynamic optimisation. Her project works results are documented in technical conference papers and journals.

In December 1994, she was selected by NASA. She reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995 as an astronaut candidate in the 15th Group of Astronauts.

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Space Missions

Kalpana Chawla's first opportunity to fly in space came in November 1997, aboard the space shuttle Columbia on flight STS-87. In just over two weeks, the shuttle made 252 orbits of the Earth. On the trip, the shuttle carried out several experiments and observing tools including a Spartan Satellite, which Chawla deployed from the shuttle. 

The satellite that studied the outer layer of the sun malfunctioned because of some software errors and the other two astronauts had to perform a spacewalk to recapture it from the shuttle.

Second Space Mission: Disaster strikes

Kalpana Chawla was selected for her second voyage into space in 2000. She served again as a mission specialist for STS-107. Various times, the mission was delayed, and finally, in 2003, it was launched. Over a 16-days flight, the crew completed more than 80 experiments. On 1 February 2003 morning, the space shuttle returned to Earth and was intended to launch at Kennedy Space Center. During the launch time, as per the official, a briefcase-sized piece of insulation and broken off. It damaged the thermal protection system of the shuttle's wing. It was the shield that protected it from heat during re-entry. As the shuttle passed through the atmosphere, hot gas streaming into the wing caused it to break up.

The craft became unstable, rolled, and bucked, pitching the astronauts about. The ship depressurised in less than a minute and crew members were killed. The shuttle broke up over Texas and Louisiana before plunging into the ground. It was the second major disaster following the 1986 explosion of the shuttle Challenger.

In a crew, all seven were killed. The crew included Rick Husband, Laurel Clark, Ilan Ramon, David Brown, William McCool, Michael Anderson, and Kalpana Chawla.

Kalpana Chawla Biography: Awards

Kalpana chawla biography: legacy.

The Columbia event was officially investigated and reported to help understand what happened. Also, how to prevent the tragedy from re-occurring in future spaceflights. For example in 2003, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. In 2008, NASA"s Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report was released.

Various documentaries have been produced about the crew of Columbia including "Astronaut Diaries: Remembering the Columbia Shuttle Crew" (2005), "Space Shuttle Columbia: Mission of Hope" (2013).

In 2010, the University of Texas dedicated a Kalpana Chawla memorial at the Arlington College of Engineering. 

A commercial cargo spacecraft named after Kalpana Chawla was launched to the international space station in October 2020. 

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus capsule was named the S.S. Kalpana Chawla. 

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India , World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App .

• Who is Kalpana Chawla? + Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian- born woman to go into space in 1997. She lost her life on 1 February 2003, when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed.
• How did Kalpana died in space? + On 1 February 2003, Kalpana Chawla lost her life when the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed. While re-entering into Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft broke out and killed all seven astronauts on board.
• When was Kalpana Chawla born? + Kalpana Chawla was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, India.
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Who was kalpana chawala: early life, education, nasa career, death and legacy.

Who is Kalpana Chawla?

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and engineer. She is also the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She first flew to space in 1997 on Space Shuttle Columbia, where played the role of mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. Her second and final flight on Space Shuttle Columbia was in 2003 where she perished with seven other fellow crew members as the shuttle was re-entering Earth. Besides her aeronautical career, she was also interested in flying aerobatics, tail-wheel aeroplanes and held a license as a Certified Flight Instructor as well as Commercial Pilot’s licences for land and seaplanes.

Early Life 

Born in the Indian city of Karnal in 1962, Chawla was the youngest of four siblings. Being confident and outgoing as she was known to be, she is said to have chosen her own name. At the time of her admission to a nearby school, she had not been given a formal name and was called by her nickname, Monto at home. As the principal asked Chawla to pick a name amongst the three names her family had in mind—Kalpana, Jyotsna and Sunaina. She happened to confidently pick ‘Kalpana’. 

Her interest in aeroplanes and flying had taken roots since her early childhood.  Karnal, being one of the few Indian towns at the time to have a flying club, would often see planes flying over, which Chawla had come to notice and enjoy watching. She was taken on a ride on the Pushpak and a glider by her father, an experience she fondly remembered.

Education 

Kalpna Chawla attended the Tagore Baal Niketan Sr. Sec. School in Karnal for her early education and went on to complete her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Punjab Engineering College at Chandigarh in 1982. She subsequently moved to the United States in 1984 to study at the University of Texas at Arlington. She went on to pursue an M.S. degree in aerospace engineering here. She also completed a second M.S. degree in 1986 as well as a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1988. 

NASA Career 

In 1988, Chawla started her work as vice president of Overset Methods, Inc. at the NASA Ames Research Centre. As a part of her role, she researched the simulation of complex air flows encountered around aircrafts. In 1993 Kalpana Chawla joined Overset Methods Inc., Los Altos, California, as Vice President and Research Scientist where she was responsible for forming a team of researchers for the development and implementation of efficient aerodynamic optimisation techniques. 

In December 1994, Kalpna Chawla was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in the 15th Group of Astronauts and reported to the Johnson Space Centre from March 1995 onwards. As a result of completing a year of training and evaluation, she was assigned as crew representative for the Astronaut Office EVA/Robotics and Computer Branches to work on technical issues. Her role included assignments on the development of Robotic Situational Awareness Displays and testing space shuttle control software in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory. Following this role, she was assigned as a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator in November 1996 on Space Shuttle mission STS-87. Chawla had her first opportunity to fly in space in November 1997 as a part of this mission. The shuttle made 252 orbits of the Earth in a little over two weeks and carried out various experiments and observing tools on its trip. Chawla deployed a Spartan satellite from the shuttle which studied the outer layer of the sun but ended up malfunctioning.

In 2000, she was selected for her second mission as a part of the crew of STS-107. The mission was repeatedly delayed and ended up finally launching on January 16, 2003. For the 16-day flight to space, Chawla’s role included the microgravity experiments, for which almost 80 experiments were conducted by the crew, studying earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety.

As the crew of STS-107 was re-entering Earth on completing its 16-day flight duration on February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia and the crew, including Kalpna Chawla, perished about 16 minutes before its scheduled landing. Investigations following the incident found that a hole on one of the wings of the space shuttle led to hot atmospheric gases penetrating its heat shield, subsequently causing internal damages and the shuttle blowing up.

A 13-minute video recording of the astronauts, made during the start of the re-entry showed the crew conducting routine procedures and sharing jokes, indicating they had no idea of what was to come.

Even after her death, Kalpna Chawla remains a massive form of inspiration to many Indian women for her achievements as well as for her successful career as an astronaut. Her legacy lives on in many ways. In her honour, the Haryana government in India set up a medical college and hospital in Karnal, along with names a planetarium in Jyotisar after her. The government of Karnataka as well instituted the Kalpna Chawla award in 2003 to recognise women scientists. At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEL) in the United States, the Indian Students Association (ISA) launched the Kalpana Chawla Memorial Scholarship program. The University of Chicago has also renamed its Alumni Award to The Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Alumni Award. India's first weather satellite, the Kalpana 1, was also named after the astronaut.

The University of Texas dedicated a memorial to Chawla at the Arlington College of Engineering in 2010. The memorial display included a flight suit, photographs, information about her life.

What you can learn from Kalpana Chawla 

1. Giving Back

Even after moving to a different country to establish a successful aeronautical career, Chawla remained close to her roots and believed in helping others. When she became an astronaut, NASA invited her school in India to take part in their Summer Space Experience Program. Chawla felt strongly about providing science education opportunities for young girls in India. Each year, from 1998, the school sent two girls to the Foundation for International Space Education’s United Space School in Houston, USA.

2. Persistence

Kalpna Chawla often spoke of her family’s hesitance in letting her pursue a career in the aeronautical and engineering space. However, as persistent she was, Chawla stuck through her passion and tried her best to fulfil her dreams, something we all can take cues from. 

3. Confidence

In Chawla’s time, it was not often that one saw many women in the field of aeronautics, let alone women who were willing to move countries to pursue their careers in space. This, however, failed to deter Chawla from her path and she confidently led the way to a whole new generation of inspired women. 

Being the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space, Kalpna Chawla opened doors to many young women in India to pursue a career in the space of aeronautics as well as science as a whole. Even today, she remains an icon for women from all walks of life thanks to her achievements and hard work.

FAQs   

Kalpana Chawla was an astronaut and also the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. Her first trip to space was in 1997 on Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. 

What did Kalpana Chawla study?

Kalpana Chawla completed her early education from the Tagore Baal Niketan Sr. Sec. School in Karnal, and Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College at Chandigarh in 1982. Her educational journey in the United States include an M.S. degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Describe Kalpana Chawla's first mission in space

Kalpana Chawla was assigned as a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 by NASA in 1996, which led to her first opportunity to fly in space in Movember 1997. Her role in the mission involved deploying the Spartan Satellite into space. As a part of the mission, she logged more than 15 days and 16 hours in space.

What was the Space Shuttle Columbia mission?

The Space Shuttle Columbia was Chawla’s second mission to space with NASA, where she was a part of the crew of STS-107. As a part of the mission, which was a 16-day flight to space, Chawla was responsible for the microgravity experiments to study earth and space science as well as astronaut health and safety.

How did Kalpna Chawla die?

At the end of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission, the crew of STS-107, along with Kalpna Chawla, perished following an explosion during their re-entry to Earth. This took place about 16 minutes before its scheduled landing on earth and was a result of a hole on one of the wings of the space shuttle led to hot atmospheric gases penetrating its heat shield and causing the shuttle to blow up. Chawla died on February 1, 2003.

Image Source: Kalpanachawlacholars.org

Kalpana Chawla Essay

500+ words essay on kalpana chawla.

Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She is an inspiration to millions of women who want to build their careers in aerospace. Kalpana Chawla said that she never dreamed, as a child, that she would cross the frontiers of space. It was enough that her parents allowed her to attend engineering college after her graduation. She was a lady who was passionate about her dream and worked hard towards it to make those dreams come true. With the help of this essay on Kalpana Chawla, students will get to know about her life story. They can also check out the list of CBSE Essays to practise more essays on different topics and boost their writing skills.

Life Story of Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was born on 17th March 1962 in a small place, Karnal, in Haryana, India. She was a naturalised U.S. citizen and married to flight instructor Jean-Pierre Harrison. She loved flying, hiking, backpacking, and reading books. She held a Certificated Flight Instructor’s licence with aeroplane and glider ratings, Commercial Pilot’s licence for single and multi-engine land, seaplanes, gliders and instrument ratings for aeroplanes. She enjoyed flying aerobatics and tail-wheel aeroplanes.

Educational Background

Kalpana Chawla completed her graduation in 1976 from Tagore School in Karnal, India. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in India in 1982. She then moved to the United States to pursue her graduate education. In 1984 she received a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas, and a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988.

Kalpana Chawla’s First Space Mission

Kalpana’s first space mission in the space shuttle, Columbia, was 15 days, 16 hours and 34 minutes long. During this time, she went around the Earth 252 times, travelling 10.45 million kilometres! The crew included a Japanese and a Ukrainian astronaut. The crew performed experiments such as pollinating plants to observe food growth in space and tests for making stronger metals and faster computer chips, all for a price tag of about 56 million dollars.

When the news about the Columbia disaster broke, there was shock and disbelief. While returning to Earth, the space shuttle disintegrates 16 minutes prior to its scheduled landing. Thus the life of all the crew members, including Kalpana Chawla, ended. The town of Karnal spent a sleepless night as thousands of households stayed glued to their television sets in the hope that Kalpana and the crew had somehow survived. But, they all died in the accident.

Kalpana Chawla, a girl from a small town who touched the skies, had become an inspiration for millions of young Indians. In a message that Kalpana Chawla sent from aboard the space shuttle, Columbia, to students of her college in Chandigarh, said, “ The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get onto it. Wishing you a great journey. ” There will surely be many who start off on this journey to fulfil their dreams.

Students must have found this essay on “Kalpana Chawla” useful for improving their essay-writing skills. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams, at BYJU’S.

Frequently Asked Questions on Kalpana Chawla Essay

What is kalpana chawla known for.

Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-born woman to go into space in the year 1997.

Where was Kalpana Chawla born?

Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal (Haryana state).

What was the famous message given by Kalpana Chawla?

In a message sent from the space shuttle Kalpana Chawla had mentioned that ‘The path from dreams to success does exist’.

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Kalpana Chawla (Astronaut) Age, Biography, Husband, Facts & More

Some lesser known facts about kalpana chawla.

• Kalpana’s parents hail from the Multan district of West Punjab (now Pakistan). When her father, Banarsi Lal, Chawla was leaving his hometown of Sheikhopura, communal riots broke out. He was one of the few survivors who managed to reach India safely but without any possessions.
• In order to make a living, her father became a street hawker and started selling commodities like candies, dates, soaps, groundnuts, etc. However, luck soon bestowed upon him and he opened his own textile shop in the locality. A few years later, he became a self-taught engineer and began manufacturing tyres when the Indian market was flooded with the imported ones. Meanwhile, he married Sanyogitha, whose family also came from the same region in Pakistan.
• Strangely, Kalpana’s parents did not give her any formal name and referred to her only by her nickname, ‘Monto’. However, one day when her aunt took Kalpana for admission to a nearby nursery school, the principal asked her name. ‘We have three names in mind — Kalpana, Jyotsna and Sunaina, but we haven’t decided,’ replied her aunt. The principal then asked the young girl if she would like to choose any of these names, to which the girl replied ‘Kalpana’. Hence, Kalpana chose her own name!
• From a young age, Kalpana was fascinated by stars and planets. Once when she and her classmates built a physical geography map of India covering the floor of an entire classroom in her school, she covered its ceiling completely with stars (sparkling dots marked on blackened newspapers)!
• Whenever the teachers of her class asked students to draw a scenery, she would always draw airplanes flying in the sky.
• When she saw the pictures of the red planet, Mars, in a weekly magazine, she decided to pursue a career in the field of aerospace.
• In the year 1988, she began working at the NASA Ames Research Center , where she did Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research on Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing concepts . 5 years later, she was appointed as the Vice President of the Overset Methods , Inc at Nasa Research Centre.
• The year 1997 proved to be a pivotal year in her career as her long-awaited dream of ‘walking’ in the space finally became a reality. Her first flight was on Space Shuttle Columbia STS-87 as a mission specialist . With this, she became the first Indian-origin women to go to space.
• Kalpana was a certified pilot  with a commercial license for seaplanes, multi-engine airplanes, and gliders. In addition, she was also a c ertified flight instructor for glider and airplanes.
• In her first mission, Kalpana travelled over 10.5 million miles in 252 orbits of the earth, thus staying for more than 372 hours in space.
• In 2000, Kalpana was selected for her second flight as part of the crew of doomed Space Shuttle Columbia. The mission was repeatedly delayed and Kalpana returned to space 3 years later in 2003.
• Following the accident, NASA issued a statement in which it said that the scientists at the research centre knew beforehand that the shuttle had been damaged and the crew might not survive re-entry. However, they refrained themselves from informing it to the astronauts as they had no possible way to rescue them.
• In honour of the deceased braveheart, the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihar Vajpayee, renamed the satellite ‘MetSat-1’ to ‘Kalpana-1’.
• Even the USA did not move away from acknowledging the efforts of Chawla. As a result, the 74th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City was renamed to ‘ Kalpana Chawla street’.
• NASA has even dedicated a supercomputer to Kalpana.
• ‘Star Trek’ novelist Peter David has named a shuttlecraft- The Chawla, in his book,  Star Trek: The Next Generation: Before Dishonor.
• The NASA Mars Exploration Rover once discovered 7 peaks in a chain of hills on the Red Planet. Hence the space agency, as a tribute to the 2003 Columbia disaster, named the entire chain as ‘Columbia Hills’ and all 7 peaks after each of the seven members.
• The Haryana state government has set up a medical college and hospital in Karnal worth INR 650 crore in her honour.

References/Sources: [ + ]

Kalpana Chawla Life History Who Was First Indian Women Astronaut

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian women astronaut. She held a Certificated Flight Instructor’s licence with airplane and glider ratings, commercial pilot’s license for single and multi-engine land and seaplanes, and gliders, and instrument rating for airplanes. She enjoyed flying aerobatics and tailwheel airplanes.

Kalpana Chawla History -Biography

Essay on History of Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal, Haryana on July 1, 1961. Kalpana was the daughter of Banarsi Lal Chawla, a businessman and Sanyogita, a simple housewife. Kalpana’s parents originally came to Karnal from the Multan district of West Punjab, which is now known as Pakistan.

Fascinated by flying, Kalpana Chawla has been a daring child since childhood. Though she decided to become an astronaut only after completing her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering, she expressed her desire to learn flying when she was barely 13. Her childhood was totally different from other girls. Sketching and painting airplanes were more her forte than dressing up Barbie dolls.

Kalpana completed her Graduation from Tagore School, Karnal, India, in 1976. She received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Punjab Engineering College, in 1982. A master of science in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas, 1984, Kalpana Chawla completed her Doctorate of philosophy in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, 1988.

In 1982, she landed in an American university. Kalpana met Jean Pierre Harrison, a freelance-flying instructor. Inspired by Jean Pierre, she took up scuba diving, hiking and went on long flying expeditions. She kept her brother informed about her inclination towards Pierre.

Kalpana’s brother prevailed upon his parents when Kalpana said she wanted to marry Jean Pierre. They were married in 1984. In 1988, Kalpana Chawla started work at NASA Ames Research Centre in the area of powered-lift computational fluid dynamics. Her research concentrated on simulation of complex air flows encountered around aircraft such as the Harrier in “ground-effect.”

In 1993, Kalpana Chawla joined Overset Methods Inc., Los Altos, California, as Vice President and Research Scientist to form a team with other researchers specialising in simulation of moving multiple body problems. She was responsible for development and implementation of efficient techniques to perform aerodynamic optimization.

In December 1994, she was selected by NASA and reported to the Johnson Space Centre in March 1995 as an astronaut candidate in the 15th Group of Astronauts. After completing a year of training and evaluation, she was assigned as a crew representative to work technical issues for the Astronaut Office EVA/Robotics and Computer branches.

On November 20, 1997, Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman to go into space, when the US space shuttle Columbia blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral in Florida. She flew on STS-87 (1997) and STS-107 (2003), logging more than 30 days in space.

Chawla was part of the six members crew on a 16-day research mission (January 16 to February 1, 2003) aimed at releasing a free flying satellite to study the Sun’s outer atmospheric layers. The experimental carrier, mounted in Columbia’s cargo bay, had a variety of high-tech devices designed to study how the weightless environment of space affects various physical processes.

The STS-107 mission ended abruptly on February 1, 2003 when Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew perished during entry, 16 minutes prior to scheduled landing.

Posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honour, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. On February 5, 2003, India’s Prime Minister announced that the meteorological series of satellites, “METSAT”, will be renamed as “KALPANA”.

The first satellite of the series, “METSAT-1”, launched by India on September 12, 2002 will be now known as “KALPANA-1”. The 74th Street in the “Little India” section of Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City has been renamed the 74th Street Kalpana Chawla Way in her honour.

Based on her will, a $3,00,000 fund was established on environmental conservation projects around the world. The “Kalpana Chawla Fund for Environmental Stewardship” has also been set up with the National Audubon Society.

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Kalpana Chawla Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on kalpana chawla.

Kalpana was the First spacewoman of India. It was the dream that many Indians dreamt of but only Kalpana was able to fulfill it. She had various ambitions in minds from her childhood only. Moreover, she always had an interest in aircraft, and because of that, she took aeronautical engineering .

Furthermore, Kalpana was a woman of great patience and hard work. And she proved that nothing is impossible if you have true dedication for your work. According to her teachers, Kalpna always had a great interest in Science.

Also, she had the ambition to go into space. So from the beginning only she was aiming to become an astronaut . In spite of knowing that it is a really difficult field. Therefore her father always encouraged her to go for higher studies.

Life Story of Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana was born in Karnal which is a small town in Haryana . Furthermore, she went to a local school to complete her primary studies. Kalpana was always a diligent student. Moreover, she was good in her academics. After completing her schooling Kalpana went to college for graduation. She took admission in Punjab University. She took admission in Aeronautical engineering.

Most Noteworthy is that she was the only girl student in the entire batch. This signifies that she always took a different path from others and was a leader. Furthermore, after completing her graduation she went abroad for further studies.

She took admission at Texas University in America. And completed her post-graduation from there. To get a doctorate degree she joined Colorado University. After getting the doctorate degree she began her career in NASA’s Ames Research Centre.

After completing her real career started. In 1994 she became a space passenger in NASA. Further one year later she became a member of space zone too. Kalpana always had a dream of landing on the moon. And as a result of her hard work and dedication, she reached such heights.

Kalpana’s first space mission was on November 19, 1994. She was a part of 6 member crew on space shuttle Columbia Flight STS-87. Furthermore, she lived for around 375 hours and traveled over 6.5 million miles in space. But when she was returning to Earth the space shuttle disintegrated. Thus the lives of all the 7 crew members ended which Kalpana a part was of. Therefore her career ended sooner than expected.

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Death of Kalpana Chawla

The Death of Kalpana Chawla struck sadness in the minds of Indians. Yet she will always be a great inspiration for all the Indian women. As she became a role model of all the youth. The youth who have always dreamt of doing something great in their lives. Furthermore, it also gives us a message that we should not confine ourselves within boundaries.

Moreover, we should see life as an opportunity to fulfill our dreams. Kalpana always took life as a challenge and an opportunity. Because of this only she was able to achieve such heights.

Also, it tells us that everything is possible through hard work and dedication. In her graduation days, she was the only woman in her batch. But this did not deviate her from achieving her dreams. At last, her story always inspires us as Indians and makes us proud.

FAQ on Kalpana Chawla

Q1. Who was Kalpana Chawla?

A1. Kalpana Chawla was the first spacewoman of India.

Q2. How did Kalpana Chawla die?

A2. Kalpna Chawla died because her Space shuttle disintegrated. Along with her 6 crew member died as well. This was a great tragedy for the people of America and India.

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Kalpana Chawla Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

The first space woman from India was Kalpana Chawla. Many Indians had this ambition at that time, but only Kalpana was able to make it come true. She chose to major in aeronautical engineering because she has always had a fascination with aeroplanes. Her legacy lives on through various awards and scholarships in her name, as well as the Kalpana Chawla Planetarium in her hometown.

100 Words Essay On Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and a former NASA mission specialist. Born in Karnal, India, she emigrated to the United States to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering and earned her PhD from the University of Colorado. Chawla was selected as one of the first six women astronauts to join the NASA Astronaut Corps and completed two spaceflights on the Space Shuttle Columbia, the second of which was her final mission as she was tragically killed in the Columbia disaster. Chawla continues to inspire and be remembered as a symbol of bravery, determination, and the pursuit of one's passions, especially in the field of STEM.

200 Words Essay On Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and a former NASA mission specialist. Born in Karnal, India in 1961, she emigrated to the United States in 1982 to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. Chawla earned her PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988 and went on to work as an engineer for NASA's Ames Research Center.

In 1995, Chawla was selected as one of the first six women astronauts to join the NASA Astronaut Corps. She completed her first spaceflight as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, and her second spaceflight on the same spacecraft in 2003, which was also her final mission. Tragically, the Columbia disaster occurred during re-entry, killing all seven crew members, including Chawla.

Chawla's dedication and passion for space exploration inspired many, especially young women, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Her legacy continues to live on through various awards and scholarships in her name, as well as through the Kalpana Chawla Planetarium in her hometown of Karnal.

Chawla's bravery, determination, and love for space will always be remembered and celebrated. She served as an inspiration to many, showing that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, even reaching for the stars.

500-word essay on Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India and grew up in a middle-class family. She had a passion for science and technology from an early age, and she was determined to pursue a career in the field of aerospace engineering.

After completing her early education in India, Chawla moved to the United States to pursue her higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India and then a Master of Science degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Chawla's passion for space and her hard work paid off when she was selected as one of the first woman astronaut candidates by NASA in 1994 . She made her first flight into space as a mission specialist on the space shuttle Columbia in 1997. During her time in space, she conducted several experiments and gained valuable experience as an astronaut.

Tragically, Chawla's second space flight ended in disaster. On February 1, 2003 , the space shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry, killing all seven crew members, including Chawla. The incident was a huge loss for NASA and the entire world.

Chawla's story serves as an inspiration to many young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. She proved that with hard work and determination, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. Her legacy lives on through the Kalpana Chawla award, given to young women in India who excel in the field of aerospace engineering, and the Kalpana Chawla Planetarium in her hometown of Karnal.

In conclusion, Kalpana Chawla's life was a testament to the power of perseverance , dedication, and passion. She broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in STEM fields. Her legacy continues to inspire many young people to pursue their dreams, despite the obstacles they may face.

Lessons From Life

The life of Kalpana Chawla offers several valuable lessons that can inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Some of these lessons include:

Power Of Perseverance | Chawla faced many obstacles throughout her life, but she never gave up on her dream of becoming an astronaut. Her determination and persistence serve as an example of how important it is to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

Value Of Hard Work | Chawla's selection as one of the first woman astronaut candidates by NASA in 1994 was a result of her hard work and dedication. Her story serves as a reminder that success often comes from putting in the time and effort.

Importance Of Passion | Chawla's passion for space and aerospace engineering was evident throughout her life. Her passion served as a driving force that helped her to achieve her dreams. Her story teaches us the importance of pursuing our passions and how it can lead to success.

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Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Kalpana Chawla: A Complete Biography | A Tale of Dreams Courage and Space Odyssey | Inspirational Journey from Karnal to the Cosmos | Women Achievers Indian Pride Space Exploration Paperback – Import, 11 March 2023

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• Print length 108 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Prabhat Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.
• Publication date 11 March 2023
• Dimensions 13.97 x 0.66 x 21.59 cm
• ISBN-10 9355214804
• ISBN-13 978-9355214805
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Prabhat Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.; First Edition (11 March 2023); Prabhat Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 108 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9355214804
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9355214805
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 250 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.97 x 0.66 x 21.59 cm
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Biography Writing of Kalpana Chawla

Study the following information about Kalpana Chawla, the American astronaut of Indian origin who lost her life when the space shuttle Columbia broke down. Write a paragraph on her life and achievement.

Hints: Year of birth : 1961 Place of birth : Karnal, Punjab Parents: Banarasi Lal, a businessman, Sanyogita, housewife. Early Schooling : Tagore Bal Niketan, in Karnal, Punjab. Advanced Education : (i) Degree in Aero-nautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College. (ii) 1984-Masters degree— University of Texas. (iii) Doctorate

University of Colorado. Career: (i) joined NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) (ii) selected astronaut -1994. (iii) Maiden space flight -1997 (with five other astronauts) Death: 16th Jan, 2003, Spaceship Columbia with Kalpana as one of the a crew-member crashed over Texas fifteen minutes before landing.

KALPANA CHAWLA

Kalpana Chawla, an Indian by birth, was the first Indian woman to travel into space. She was born in 1961 at Karnal, Punjab to Banarasi Lal, a businessman and Sanyogita, a housewife. She had her early schooling at Tagore Bal Niketan at her native place. After obtaining a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, she completed her Masters degree from University of Texas in 1984. Later she got a doctorate degree from University of Colorado.

Kalpana joined NASA and made her maiden space flight in 1997 with five other astronauts. But life had ordained something different for this bright woman. Unfortunately for India, on 16th January, 2003 the spaceship Columbia, in which Kalpana was travelling with other crew-members crashed over Texas fifteen minutes before landing. Thus the life of a great woman of promise was cut short untimely. But her name and achievement would inspire Indian women for years to come.

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English Project On Kalpana Chawla For Class 12th

Table of Contents

Kalpana Chawla Biography

Why should you know about Kalpana Chawla? Because she’s a symbol of courage, determination, and the human spirit. She broke barriers and reached for the stars—literally. Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, and her story is nothing short of inspiring.

• Name : Kalpana Chawla
• Pet Name : Not publicly known
• Father’s Name : Banarasi Lal Chawla
• Born : March 17, 1962
• Mother’s Name : Sanjyothi Chawla
• Study : Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering, Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
• Awards : Congressional Space Medal of Honor, among others
• Selection : NASA Astronaut Corps in 1994
• Mission : STS-87 (1997), STS-107 (2003)

Born in Karnal, Haryana, on March 17, 1962, Kalpana Chawla was a dreamer from the get-go. Why does this matter? Because her dreams weren’t just fantasies; they were visions of what she was destined to become. She grew up in a middle-class family but never let her circumstances define her ambitions. Her father, Banarasi Lal Chawla, was an entrepreneur, and her mother, Sanjyothi, was a homemaker. Together, they instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance.

Kalpana wasn’t just another student; she was a trailblazer. After completing her engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College, she moved to the United States. There, she earned a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. Her educational journey wasn’t just about collecting degrees; it was about acquiring the skills to make her dreams a reality. She was an exemplary student, always curious and eager to learn, which made her stand out in her academic journey.

Behind every successful person is a supportive family and partner. Kalpana was no exception. She was married to Jean-Pierre Harrison, a flying instructor and aviation author. Their shared love for flying made them a match made in the heavens. Their marriage was a partnership in the truest sense, built on mutual respect and shared dreams.

Career: Becoming an Astronaut

How did a girl from Karnal end up among the stars? Through sheer determination and brilliance. Kalpana joined NASA and became part of their astronaut program. Her first mission was in 1997 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, making her the first woman of Indian origin in space. She worked tirelessly, proving her mettle in various roles at NASA before finally being selected for the space mission.

Space Missions

Her first mission was a landmark event, not just for her but for India and women worldwide. She flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. But she didn’t stop there; she had her eyes set on more. Her role in the mission was critical, and she executed it with utmost precision, earning her accolades and setting the stage for future missions.

Second Space Mission: Disaster Strikes

Tragedy struck on her second mission. The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere in 2003. But why is this significant? Because even in her last moments, Kalpana Chawla was doing what she loved—reaching for the stars. The mission was a 16-day journey, aimed at conducting various experiments. Unfortunately, it ended in a disaster that shook the world but also immortalized Kalpana as a hero.

Posthumously, Kalpana has been honored with numerous awards, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. These accolades are not just pieces of metal or paper; they are a testament to her contributions to science and humanity. She has also been honored with several scholarships and institutions named after her, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire.

Kalpana Chawla left us on February 1, 2003, but her legacy lives on. She’s a symbol of what one can achieve with determination and a little bit of stardust. Her life and her journey continue to inspire millions around the globe. Streets, institutions, and scholarships bear her name, serving as a constant reminder of her indomitable spirit.

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