Astronaut kalpana chawla biography
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Kalpana Chawla, PhD, was an engineer, pilot, and astronaut who spent more than 30 days in space over two Space Shuttle missions.
Chawla was born in Karnal, India, and was fascinated by flight since her childhood. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Panjab Engineering College, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas-Arlington, and a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Chawla held numerous pilot licenses, including for airplanes, gliders, and seaplanes.
After completing her PhD in 1988, Chawla joined NASA’s Ames Research Center, where she specialized in the fluid dynamics of aircraft. She later continued aerodynamics research in the private sector. In 1991 Chawla became a United States citizen. NASA selected Chawla as an astronaut in late 1994 and she began astronaut training in 1995.
In addition to preparing for spaceflight, astronauts are also tasked with ground-based technical projects. Chawla worked on the development of the Robotic Situational Awareness Display, a tool to help astronauts operate robotic arms. She also tested space shuttle control software.
Chawla flew on two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist. On November 19, 1997, she launched on board Sp
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Kalpana Chawla: Biography & Columbia disaster
Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-born woman to go to space in 1997. Six years later, on February 1, 2003, Chawla died when the space shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board.
Chawla's legacy has lived on, however. In particular, her talent and hard work have inspired young people in India and around Earth to consider careers in spaceflight.
Early life
Born in Karnal, India, on March 17, 1962, to parents Banarasi Lal Chawla and Sanjyothi Chawla, Kalpana Chawla was the youngest of four children.
Until she started school, Chawla hadn't been formally named. Her parents called her Montu, but Chawla picked her own name from a selection when she entered education. The name Kalpana means "idea" or "imagination." Her full name is pronounced CULL-pah-na CHAU-la, though she often went by the nickname K.C.
As a child, Chawla developed an interest in flying after first seeing a plane at around the age of three. She spent days with her father visiting her local flying club with her father and showed an interest in aviation while at school.
Related: Columbia Disaster: What happened and what NASA learned
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Education
During her
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Dr. Kalpana Chawla, PhD
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