Deaths on February 1

Kalpana Chawla

Died on February 1, 2003

Kalpana Chawla, Indian-American engineer and astronaut (b. 1961)

A Pioneering Astronaut: The Enduring Legacy of Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla (March 17, 1962 – February 1, 2003) stands as an indelible figure in the annals of space exploration, celebrated as an Indian-born American astronaut and accomplished engineer. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first woman of Indian origin to journey into the vast expanse of space forever cemented her place in history, inspiring millions across the globe. Born in Karnal, Haryana, India, Chawla's early life was marked by academic brilliance, which led her to pursue higher education in the United States, earning a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. This rigorous academic foundation laid the groundwork for her remarkable career at NASA.

First Foray into Space: STS-87 (1997)

Chawla began her career at NASA Ames Research Center in 1988 before being selected as an astronaut candidate in 1995. Her inaugural spaceflight commenced on November 19, 1997, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, on mission STS-87. During this significant mission, which spanned over two weeks, Kalpana Chawla served as a mission specialist and the primary robotic arm operator. Her responsibilities included deploying the Spartan Satellite and conducting various experiments related to microgravity research. This journey allowed her to log an impressive 372 hours in space, showcasing her technical expertise and dedication to scientific advancement.

The Final Mission: STS-107 and the Columbia Disaster (2003)

Her second and ultimate flight was on STS-107, also aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, which launched on January 16, 2003. This mission was entirely dedicated to scientific research, carrying the Spacehab research module filled with a diverse array of experiments focused on Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The crew worked tirelessly around the clock in two shifts, completing over 80 experiments during their 16-day voyage. Tragically, on February 1, 2003, during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas. Kalpana Chawla was one of the seven brave crew members who perished in this devastating disaster, which was later determined to be caused by damage to the shuttle's thermal protection system sustained during launch.

Enduring Legacy and Tributes

Though her life was cut short, Kalpana Chawla's contributions and sacrifice continue to resonate globally. She was posthumously awarded the prestigious Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004, alongside other accolades such as the NASA Space Flight Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Her profound impact is further honored through numerous tributes: several streets, educational institutions, and research centers worldwide bear her name. In India, she is revered as a national hero, a symbol of perseverance, intellect, and courage. For instance, the MetSat-1 weather satellite was renamed Kalpana-1, and a dormitory at the University of Texas at Arlington is named in her honor, perpetually reminding us of her pioneering spirit and extraordinary journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kalpana Chawla

When did Kalpana Chawla go to space for the first time?: Kalpana Chawla's first spaceflight was on November 19, 1997, as part of Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-87 mission.
What was Kalpana Chawla's role during her missions?: On her first mission (STS-87), she served as a mission specialist and the primary robotic arm operator. Her second mission (STS-107) was dedicated to various scientific research experiments where she also served as a mission specialist.
How did Kalpana Chawla die?: Kalpana Chawla died on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, leading to the loss of all seven crew members.
What honors did Kalpana Chawla receive after her death?: She was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Many institutions, streets, and even a satellite have been named in her honor.
Why is Kalpana Chawla considered a national hero in India?: Kalpana Chawla is regarded as a national hero in India because she was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, inspiring countless individuals and symbolizing scientific achievement and groundbreaking courage from India on a global stage.

References

Kalpana Chawla

Choose Another Date

Events on 2003

17 Mar

2003 invasion of Iraq
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Robin Cook, resigns from the British Cabinet in disagreement with government plans for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
7 Apr

Saddam Hussein
U.S. troops capture Baghdad; Saddam Hussein's regime falls two days later.
27 Aug

North Korea and weapons of mass destruction
The first six-party talks, involving South and North Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, convene to find a peaceful resolution to the security concerns of the North Korean nuclear weapons program.
12 Sep

Pan Am Flight 103
The United Nations lifts sanctions against Libya after that country agreed to accept responsibility and recompense the families of victims in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
12 Nov

2003 invasion of Iraq
Iraq War: In Nasiriyah, Iraq, at least 23 people, among them the first Italian casualties of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, are killed in a suicide bomb attack on an Italian police base.