Kalpana Chawla: Life and Achievements

Kalpana Chawla, born in Karnal, India, was inspired by aviation from a young age. She pursued aerospace engineering, eventually moving to the USA for further studies. Kalpana joined NASA, becoming the first Indian-born woman in space. Her first mission was on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. Tragically, during her second mission in 2003, Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, leading to her death. Kalpana's legacy endures through numerous posthumous honors and the renaming of Indian satellites in her memory.

What was unique about the town of Karnal where Kalpana Chawla was born?

• It was the capital of Punjab.

• It had a flying club.

• It was a major tourist destination.

• It was known for its textile industry.

Who was a significant influence on Kalpana Chawla's interest in flying?

• Her neighbor

• Her mother

• JRD Tata

• Her teacher

Which subjects did Kalpana Chawla choose to study in school to pursue aerospace engineering?

• Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

• Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

• Economics, Physics, and Chemistry

• History, Geography, and Mathematics

Where did Kalpana Chawla obtain her first master's degree?

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• University of Colorado

• University of Texas

• Stanford University

What role did Kalpana Chawla have on her first space mission?

• Flight Engineer

• Payload Specialist

• Mission Commander

• Mission Specialist and Prime Robotic Arm Operator

How many miles did Kalpana Chawla travel during her first space mission?

• 3.5 million miles

• 6.5 million miles

• 5 million miles

• 8 million miles

What was the purpose of the STS-87 mission?

• To study the weightless environment of space

• To repair the Hubble Space Telescope

• To conduct a Mars landing

• To launch a new satellite

What happened to the Space Shuttle Columbia during Kalpana Chawla's second mission?

• It was redirected to the International Space Station.

• It successfully landed back on Earth.

• It was delayed due to technical issues.

• It disintegrated upon re-entry.

Which medal was NOT awarded to Kalpana Chawla posthumously?

• NASA Space Flight Medal

• Congressional Space Medal of Honor

• Defense Distinguished Service Medal

• Pulitzer Prize

What was the first satellite renamed in honor of Kalpana Chawla?

• Bhaskara

• INSAT-3A

• Kalpana 1

• Aryabhata