Kalpana Chawla was an inspirational astronaut, aerospace engineer, and a symbol of determination and dreams without boundaries. She was born on 17 March 1962 in Karnal, Haryana, India. From a young age, Kalpana was fascinated by airplanes and space, and she dreamed of flying beyond the sky.
After completing her early education in India, Kalpana Chawla moved to the United States to pursue higher studies. She earned a degree in aeronautical engineering and later completed her PhD in aerospace engineering. Her dedication and excellence led her to join NASA, where she was selected as an astronaut in 1994.
Kalpana Chawla made history in 1997 by becoming the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space, flying aboard Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87). She returned to space in 2003 on the STS-107 mission, which focused on scientific experiments.
Tragically, on 1 February 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, and Kalpana Chawla, along with six other astronauts, lost her life. Her untimely death shocked the world, but her courage and achievements left a lasting legacy.
Kalpana Chawla is remembered not just as an astronaut, but as a role model for millions of students, especially girls. Her life teaches us that with hard work, perseverance, and courage, dreams—no matter how big—can truly reach the stars. 🌟
