After the much awaited return of the two stranded astronauts, Sunita Williams & Butch Wimlore, India remembers the brave Kalpana Chawla made the nation proud at global platform and inspired women of our country to dream big. On her birth anniversary today, the nation pays tribute to their late daughter who lost her life while returning from a space mission.

Chawla, an Indian-American astronaut, left an indelible mark on space exploration before her tragic passing in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. Her story remains a source of inspiration for aspiring scientists and astronauts worldwide. Let's know more about Kalpana Chawla.

Early life and education

Born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, India, Kalpana Chawla was the youngest of four children in her family. Her parents, Banarsi Lal Chawla and Sanjogta Kharbanda, encouraged her interest in aviation and science from an early age. After completing her schooling at Tagore School in Karnal in 1976, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Punjab Engineering College, India, graduating in 1982.

Her academic journey continued in the United States, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1984. Driven by her passion for space exploration, she obtained a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988.

Kalpana Chawla

Career at NASA and space missions

Kalpana Chawla began her professional career at NASA’s Ames Research Center in 1988 as a research scientist. Her expertise in computational fluid dynamics made her a valuable asset in aerospace development. Recognizing her potential, NASA selected her as an astronaut candidate in 1994, and by March 1995, she joined the Johnson Space Center as part of the 15th Group of Astronauts.

Her first space mission came in November 1997 when she was assigned as a mission specialist and prime robotic arm operator on STS-87. During this flight, she played a crucial role in space operations, marking a milestone as the first Indian-born woman in space.

Following her success, she took on several responsibilities, including serving as crew representative for shuttle and station flight crew equipment in January 1998. She later led the Astronaut Office’s Crew Systems and Habitability section, enhancing the safety and efficiency of future missions.

The fateful STS-107 mission

In 2003, Chawla embarked on her second spaceflight aboard STS-107 Columbia. The 16-day mission was dedicated to conducting nearly 80 scientific experiments spanning physical, life, and space sciences. Tragically, on February 1, 2003, just 16 minutes before the scheduled landing, the shuttle disintegrated upon re-entry, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members.

Netizens pay respect on her birth anniverysary

"On her birth anniversary, we remember Kalpana Chawla, the pioneering Indian-born female astronaut who significantly elevated India's global standing in space exploration. Her legacy serves as a powerful symbol of both female empowerment and gender equality, and she remains a perpetual source of inspiration for millions," Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X.

Supriya Sule took to X to pay her respects to Kalpana Chawla on her birth anniversary. "Remembering #KalpanaChawla on her birth anniversary. An inspiration to dream beyond limits, may her legacy inspire generations to reach for the stars!," she posted.

Legacy and inspiration

Despite the tragedy, Kalpana Chawla's legacy continues to inspire generations. Numerous institutions, scholarships, and even a satellite have been named in her honor. Her dedication, perseverance, and love for space exploration remain a beacon of motivation for young minds dreaming of reaching the stars.