Dr. Kalpana Chawla

Dr. Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman and first South Asian American woman to fly in space. She was an engineer, pilot, and astronaut who served as a mission specialist on two Space Shuttle Columbia missions, spending over 30 days in space. During STS-87 in 1997, she played a key role in operating the shuttle’s robotic arm to deploy the Spartan Satellite. On her final mission, STS-107 in 2003, she conducted scientific experiments studying the effects of microgravity, contributing to the advancement of space research. 

Tragically, Dr. Chawla and her six crewmates lost their lives when Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry. Her groundbreaking achievements in aerospace and exploration continue to inspire generations of women to pursue careers in space. Dr. Chawla’s enduring legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the possibilities of space exploration and helps shape WIS’s mission to support, connect, and empower women as they pursue careers and leadership opportunities across the space industry.