Early Life and CareerKalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, India. From a young age, she was fascinated

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. Her remarkable journey ended tragically during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. Here's the full story:Early Life and CareerKalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, India. From a young age, she was fascinated by airplanes and space, inspiring her to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh, she moved to the United States for further studies. She earned a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder.Joining NASAIn 1988, Chawla began working at NASA’s Ames Research Center. Her work focused on computational fluid dynamics in aircraft design. In 1994, she was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA, and after rigorous training, she became a mission specialist.First Space Mission (STS-87)Kalpana’s first space mission was aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) in November 1997. During this mission, she conducted numerous experiments and became a symbol of inspiration, particularly for women and young people in India.The Columbia Disaster (STS-107)Kalpana’s second mission, STS-107, was aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. This was a dedicated science and research mission, involving 80 experiments conducted over 16 days in space. The crew consisted of seven members, including Chawla.On February 1, 2003, as the shuttle re-entered Earth’s atmosphere after a successful mission, disaster struck. Unknown to the crew, a piece of foam insulation had broken off the shuttle’s external fuel tank during launch and damaged the left wing. This damage allowed hot atmospheric gases to penetrate the wing upon re-entry, leading to the shuttle's disintegration over Texas. All seven crew members, including Kalpana, lost their lives.LegacyKalpana Chawla’s life and career continue to inspire millions around the world. She is remembered for her dedication, courage, and passion for space exploration. Numerous schools, universities, and institutions have been named in her honor, and her story remains a beacon of hope for aspiring scientists and astronauts.Her legacy is a testament to the limitless potential of human ambition and serves as a reminder of the risks involved in space exploration.