Kalpana Chawla: India's Trailblazing Daughter Who Reached for the Stars
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Synopsis
Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space, is honored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on her birth anniversary. Her life inspires millions to pursue their dreams and emphasizes female empowerment and gender equality.
Key Takeaways
- Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman to travel into space.
- She was born in Karnal, Haryana, on March 17, 1962.
- Chawla tragically passed away during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
- She received prestigious honors posthumously, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
- Her legacy inspires future generations in STEM fields.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) Kalpana Chawla, recognized as India’s remarkable daughter, had the audacity to dream beyond the stars, remarked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting while honoring the Indian-origin NASA astronaut on her birth anniversary.
Born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, Chawla became the pioneering Indian woman to venture into space. Tragically, she lost her life on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew met with disaster just 16 minutes prior to their scheduled landing.
“A daughter of India who dared to dream beyond the stars, her life and achievements continue to inspire many around the globe,” stated the Ministry in a post on the social media platform X.
“In commemoration of the first woman of Indian origin in space, Kalpana Chawla, on her birthday, her bravery, determination, and passion continue to motivate millions to dream without limits and strive for the stars,” expressed Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, on X.
Chawla received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the NASA Space Flight Medal posthumously.
“On her birthday, we remember Kalpana Chawla, the trailblazing Indian-born female astronaut who significantly enhanced India's reputation in space exploration. Her legacy stands as a powerful representation of female empowerment and gender equality, continually inspiring millions,” noted Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha, on X.
“Honoring Kalpana Chawla on her birth anniversary -- an emblem of STEM exploration and an inspiration for dreamers, scientists, and explorers. From Karnal to the cosmos, her journey teaches us that no dream is too vast, and no sky is unattainable when driven by curiosity and persistence. We celebrate her legacy by enabling young minds to explore, innovate, and aspire toward the stars,” remarked Dr. Narottam Sahoo, a scientist at the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology.
After achieving her Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in 1982, Chawla pursued her Master of Science in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas (1984). She also obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988.
Selected by NASA in December 1994, she was designated as mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator for STS-87 in November 1996.
In January 1998, she took on the role of crew representative for shuttle and station flight crew equipment, later serving as the lead for the Astronaut Office’s Crew Systems and Habitability section.
She participated in STS-87 Columbia (1997) and STS-107 Columbia (2003), accumulating a total of 30 days, 14 hours, and 54 minutes in space.
