Kalpana Chawla

astronaut · Indian-American · space explorer · scientist

Pioneering space traveler. Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian woman to fly to space when she launched on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. She was an aerospace engineer and pilot who worked hard to achieve her dream of exploring the cosmos.

Scientist in space. On both of her spaceflights in 1997 and 2003, Chawla conducted experiments to study how microgravity (the feeling of weightlessness in space) affects different physical processes. Her research helped scientists understand how things behave when there is no gravity.

Indian heritage. Chawla was born in India and moved to the United States, where she pursued her passion for aviation and space exploration. She became a symbol of achievement for people around the world who dreamed of reaching the stars.

Two missions flown. She flew on two Space Shuttle missions, STS-87 in 1997 and STS-107 in 2003. Each mission gave her the chance to conduct important scientific research high above Earth.

Remembered astronaut. Chawla and her six crewmates sadly lost their lives in 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it returned to Earth. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration to young people everywhere who want to explore space.