Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space.
Kalpana Chawla (1962 – 2003) was an Indian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer, and the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space.
Early life
Born in Karnal, Haryana, she studied aeronautical engineering in India before moving to the United States for further study and joining NASA.
Spaceflights
She first flew aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist. On her second mission in 2003, the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry, killing all seven crew members.
Legacy
Chawla is remembered as an inspiration for students and young women pursuing science. Satellites, scholarships and institutions have been named in her honour.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Kalpana Chawla?
The first woman of Indian origin to go to space.
How did Kalpana Chawla die?
In the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster during re-entry in 2003.