The woman who died during a space mission was Kalpana Chawla, an American astronaut and engineer who was part of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-107.
Kalpana Chawla: A Pioneer Lost
Kalpana Chawla was one of the seven crew members who tragically perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. The disaster occurred during the shuttle's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space.
Key Details About Kalpana Chawla
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause of Death | Space Shuttle Columbia disaster |
| Date of Death | February 1, 2003 |
| Resting Place | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, U.S. |
| Citizenship | India (1962–1996), United States (1991–2003) |
Educational Background
Kalpana Chawla had an extensive and impressive academic background, laying the foundation for her career as an aerospace engineer and astronaut:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): Punjab Engineering College, India
- Master of Science (MS): University of Texas, Arlington, U.S.
- Master of Science (MS): University of Colorado, Boulder, U.S.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): University of Colorado, Boulder, U.S.
Her contributions to space exploration and her legacy as a pioneering astronaut continue to be remembered globally.
