1. Why did Kalpana Chawla never return from space?
Answer : The space shuttle “Columbia” broke apart 16 minutes before landing, leading to Kalpana’s tragic death.
2. What did Kalpana like to do as a child?
Answer : As a child, Kalpana loved drawing airplanes and learning about stars, planets, and space.
3. Who was Jean-Pierre Harrison?
Answer : Jean-Pierre Harrison was Kalpana’s husband, a French flying instructor and aviation writer.
4. When did Kalpana make her first space flight?
Answer : Kalpana made her first space flight on 19 November 1997.
5. What activities did Kalpana and her husband enjoy together?
Answer : They enjoyed aerial aerobatics, hiking, backpacking, and reading.
6. What made Kalpana an unusual child?
Answer : Kalpana was different because she showed interest in space and airplanes instead of playing like other children.
7. Where did Kalpana get her Master’s and Doctorate degrees?
Answer : She got her Master’s degree from the University of Texas, Arlington, and a Doctorate from the University of Colorado.
8. How did Kalpana Chawla become an astronaut?
Answer : Kalpana became one of the 19 selected out of 2062 applicants for NASA’s astronaut training program.
9. What was Kalpana’s greatest achievement?
Answer : Kalpana became the first Indian-origin woman to fly in space, making several successful orbits around the Earth.
10. What did Kalpana do for her hometown children?
Answer : She sponsored trips for talented children from her hometown to visit NASA.
11. How did Kalpana support education for girls?
Answer : She paid for the education of many girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
12. What award was established in her honor by Tamil Nadu’s government?
Answer : The Kalpana Chawla Award, given annually for bravery and service.
13. Why did Kalpana’s father initially oppose her career choice?
Answer : He wanted her to become a doctor, not an aeronautical engineer.
14. How did Kalpana influence young Indians?
Answer : Her achievements inspired many children to dream of space exploration and to work hard for their goals.
15. What was Kalpana’s educational background in India?
Answer : She studied at Tagore School and was the first woman aeronautical engineer from Punjab Engineering College.
Long Questions
1. What miracle were people hoping for when the shuttle “Columbia” broke apart?
Answer : People were hoping that Kalpana and her fellow astronauts might survive the disaster. Unfortunately, no miracle occurred, and the tragedy took their lives.
2. How did Kalpana’s love for space and airplanes begin?
Answer : Kalpana’s interest in space began as a child when she often sketched airplanes and showed fascination with stars and planets. Her passion grew stronger as she pursued her studies.
3. What qualities made Kalpana a successful astronaut?
Answer : Kalpana’s determination, hard work, and passion for aerospace were key factors. Her ability to overcome challenges and excel in a male-dominated field also highlighted her unique qualities.
4. Why did Kalpana face opposition from her parents, and how did she overcome it?
Answer : Her parents initially opposed her choices to study abroad and to pursue flying. Kalpana’s persistence and success in aeronautical engineering eventually won them over.
5. What legacy did Kalpana leave for Indian girls and students?
Answer : Kalpana left a legacy of inspiration, encouraging Indian girls to dream big and pursue careers in science and technology. Her support for education and her achievements continue to motivate many.
6. How did Kalpana manage to balance her American citizenship and Indian roots?
Answer : Although she became an American citizen, Kalpana stayed connected to her Indian roots by supporting children’s education in her hometown and sponsoring trips to NASA.
7. What did Kalpana’s achievements mean for women in India?
Answer : Kalpana’s achievements broke stereotypes, proving that women could excel in fields like aerospace. She became a role model for aspiring female scientists and engineers in India.
8. Why is Kalpana Chawla still remembered today, despite her tragic death?
Answer : Kalpana is remembered for her courage, pioneering spirit, and contribution to space exploration. Her story inspires people to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face.
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