Astronaut Kalpana Chawla, we wish you a Happy Birthday!
Recommended for Inspirational Figures
Today, 17th March is the birthday of Astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the first female of Indian origin who went into space. She was an American astronaut.
Kalpana was born in 1962 in Karnal, Haryana, India. As a child, she liked to draw aeroplanes. She did her master’s in aerospace engineering, from the University of Texas, and earned a second master’s and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in aerospace engineering. Thereafter she joined NASA.
Key facts!
- Her first space mission was on November 17, 1996, with 6 other astronauts. They flew in Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-87.
- In the year 2000, she was selected for her second mission STS 107. There were some technical problems because of which flight operations were postponed for 2 years.
- In January 2003, she again went to space in Space Shuttle Columbia STS 107. The crew conducted several experiments in space.
- Unfortunately, on February 1, 2003, the space shuttle crashed when it was returning back into the earth’s atmosphere. All seven crew members including astronaut Kalpana Chawla died.
- During her first mission, she said “You are just your intelligence.” She completed 30 days, 14 hours, and 54 minutes in space in all.
- She received the following memorial awards-
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA space flight medal
- NASA distinguished service medal
- She made everyone proud with her career and accomplishments. She is a great example of what women can achieve by opting for STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.
Author: Shreya Rajput
Similar Stories
- Breaking Barriers: NASA’s Indian Woman Scientist
- US spacecraft named after late astronaut Kalpana Chawla
Watch a video
In-flight footage of Space Shuttle Flight 113, also known as STS-107 (NASA) with Kalpana Chawla and other crew members.
Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.
ME – My Expressions at Curious Times is your place to get your work published, building your quality digital footprint. And it is a good way to share your talent and skills with your friends, family, school, teachers and the world. Thus, as you will step into higher educational institutes your published content will showcase your strength.
Events, Quizzes and Competitions bring students from over 5,000 schools globally to participate in the 21st-Century themes. Here schools and students win certificates, prizes and recognition through these global events.
Sign-up for your school for FREE!
Communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
0 (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)