Kalpana Chawla
- Country : United States
- Profession :Astronaut
- DOB: 1962-03-17
Kalpana Chawla, born in Karnal, India, on July 1, 1961, was an accomplished astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. She earned a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering and joined NASA’s space program in 1994. Chawla’s historic space missions include STS-87 and STS-107, where she tragically lost her life during re-entry on February 1, 2003. Her remarkable contributions to space exploration and science continue to inspire generations, symbolizing determination, perseverance, and breaking barriers for women in STEM fields worldwide.
The list of what I want to do is so long, I would need a few lifetimes to achieve them. For instance, I would like to fly small planes, maybe over the Ganges one day.bu
Author: Kalpana ChawlaEvery once in a while, we’d ask my dad if we could get a ride in one of these planes. And, he did take us to the flying club and get us a ride in the Pushpak and a glider that the flying club had.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaWhen you lift off, the pressure is supposed to be maximum. But actually, it was very benign. Very enjoyable. But as soon as the engines cut off and you get to zero gravity, you felt as if you were being pushed off your seat. You feel disoriented. You don’t feel aligned with anything. I felt for a few good hours that I was falling.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaWe crossed the Himalayas in less than two minutes, and then you realise, ‘Oh My God, within an hour and a half, we have gone around the whole planet.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaIt’s easy for me to be motivated and inspired by seeing somebody who just goes all out to do something.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaThe first view of the Earth is magical. It is a very overpowering realization that the Earth is so small. It affected me. I could not get over the notion that in such a small planet, with such a small ribbon of life, so much goes on. It is as if the whole place is sacred.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaWe gazed dreamily at the Milky Way and once in a while caught some shooting stars. Times like those gave me the opportunity to wonder and ask all those very basic questions. That sense of awe for the heavens started there.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI was never afraid of failure. I always saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaIn order to achieve your dreams, you must first have the courage to pursue them.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaThe biggest strength of a woman is her emotional, mental and spiritual strength.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI was never willing to accept any constraints. I was always willing to take the next step.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaListen to the sounds of nature. Wishing you the best on your trek towards your dreams.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaDo something because you really want to do it. If you’re doing it just for the goal and don’t enjoy the path, then I think you’re cheating yourself.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI have felt that connection and stewardship for Earth for as long as I can remember. And not just for Earth, but the whole universe.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaThere are so many people who are arguing or fighting over issues which don’t have much relevance. We must all realise it is not worth it.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI would say if you have a dream, follow it. It doesn’t really matter whether you are a woman or from India or from wherever.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaYou must enjoy the journey because whether or not you get there, you must have fun on the way.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI stopped thinking about it after trying to figure out what are the lessons learned, and there are so many. After I had basically sorted that out, I figured it’s time to really look at the future and not at the past.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI don’t know why I always liked aerospace engineering. I was in the 10th grade when I figured that’s what I wanted to do.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaI was interested in aerospace and flying, and the U.S. is really the best place in the world for flying.
Author: Kalpana ChawlaSome of the senior people, the very senior astronauts, shook my hand and said, ‘K.C., you did a great job. Don’t let anyone tell you different.’
Author: Kalpana ChawlaThe coolest thing for me is the experience of floating and not feeling my weight. And hanging by a window just after sunset and watching the stars in the big black dome of the sky as the earth moves underneath.
Author: Kalpana Chawla