Kalpana Chawla India's First Woman Astronaut..

Dilip M Salwi

Physical

Available

Born in a traditional family of Karnal, Haryana, Kalpana Chawla had an unlikely background and unfavourable climate for becoming an astronaut. Braving opposition from her father and even some of her teachers, Kalpana, however, literally reached for the stars, by becoming an aerospace engineer.
Described as a ‘terrific engineer' by NASA, she went to space not once but twice. This book tells the story of the perseverance that enabled her to reach these heights. Through it she remained simple, approachable and grounded, known as ‘KC' to her colleagues and ‘Kalpana Didi' to her young friends. Her promising life ended tragically when the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated in space on 1 February 2003. Her indomitable spirit, however, will continue to inspire us for all time to come.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Early Life and Education: The book explores Kalpana Chawla's childhood, upbringing, and educational journey in India, highlighting her academic excellence and passion for aviation and space.

  2. NASA Career: It delves into Chawla's remarkable career at NASA, her selection as an astronaut, and her training and preparation for space missions.

  3. Space Missions: The book provides insights into Chawla's two space missions, including STS-87 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 and STS-107 in 2003, which tragically ended in the Columbia disaster.

  4. Challenges and Triumphs: Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Chawla persevered and became a role model for aspiring astronauts, breaking barriers as a woman of Indian origin in the male-dominated field of space exploration.

  5. Inspiration for Youth: Chawla's journey serves as an inspiration for youth, particularly girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles to achieve success in STEM fields.

  6. Contribution to Space Science: The book highlights Chawla's contributions to space science and research, including her work on microgravity experiments and her efforts to advance our understanding of the universe.

  7. Legacy: Chawla's legacy lives on through her pioneering spirit, dedication to exploration, and commitment to excellence, inspiring future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.

  8. Impact on India: Chawla's achievements have had a profound impact on India's space program and national pride, serving as a symbol of the country's potential and aspirations in space exploration.

  9. Tragic Loss: The book sensitively addresses the tragic loss of Chawla and her fellow crew members in the Columbia disaster, highlighting the risks and sacrifices associated with space exploration.

  10. Remembering Kalpana Chawla: It concludes with reflections on Chawla's enduring legacy and the importance of remembering her courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit as India's first woman astronaut.

Language English
ISBN-10 8129130912
ISBN-13 9788129130914
No of pages 79
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Rupa & Co
Published Date 13 Jul 2016

About Author

Author : Dilip M Salwi

3 Books

Related Books