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LEGENDIn MemoriamNASA
LEGENDIn MemoriamNASANASA·🇮🇳 India·Born 1962
Kalpana Chawla
First woman of Indian origin in space (1997)
32d
Days in Space
2
Missions
0
EVAs
—
EVA Time
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 path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.
Inspirations
J. R. D. Tata
What they aspire to
She hoped to inspire young women, especially from small towns in India, to pursue careers in science and aerospace.
Biography
First woman of Indian origin in space. Lost her life in the Columbia disaster. A lasting inspiration for millions in India and worldwide.
Before NASAAerospace engineer with a PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder who worked at NASA Ames Research Center before being selected as an astronaut in 1994.
Records & Firsts
Notable accomplishments by Kalpana Chawla
- First woman of Indian origin in space (1997)
- Perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (Feb 1, 2003)
Mission Timeline
- Mission Specialist
Space Shuttle Columbia
STS-107
Launch: Jan 16, 2003Landing: Feb 1, 2003Duration: 16 days- Lost during reentry on February 1, 2003
Beyond the Mission
Hobbies & Interests
flying aerobatic and tail-wheel airplaneshikingbackpackingreading
Causes They Champion
STEM outreach for girlsIndian-American scientific exchange
Languages
HindiPunjabiEnglish
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor (posthumous)
- NASA Space Flight Medal
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
Fun fact
She carried Deep Purple albums on STS-107 and used the song 'Space Truckin'' as a personal wake-up call.
Item flown to space
A photograph of J. R. D. Tata's first commercial mail flight, carried on STS-87 in tribute to her childhood hero.
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