Kalpana Chawla Chhatravriti Yojana | कल्पना चावला छात्रवृति योजना

Kalpana Chawla was a trailblazing astronaut and aerospace engineer whose contributions were significant both in space exploration and as an inspiration to many. Here are her key contributions:
First Indian Woman in Space: In 1997, Kalpana Chawla became the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia during mission STS-87. Her presence in space was a major milestone for women in science and space exploration, particularly for India.
NASA Missions: As a mission specialist and a primary robotic arm operator, she contributed to multiple experiments and spacewalks. Her work involved crucial research in microgravity, space technology, and life sciences, furthering NASA’s understanding of space’s effects on physical systems.
Role in Space Research: Chawla’s work helped improve our understanding of fluid dynamics and physical processes in the zero-gravity environment of space. These experiments have long-term implications for space station operations and deep space exploration.
Inspiration and Legacy: Beyond her scientific contributions, Kalpana Chawla has inspired generations of women and aspiring astronauts around the world. Her story is seen as a symbol of perseverance, breaking barriers, and achieving greatness despite challenges.
Her legacy was tragically cut short when she perished along with her crew members in the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster during re-entry in 2003. However, her pioneering spirit continues to inspire people to pursue careers in space exploration and STEM fields.

Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin in space, spent a total of 30 days, 14 hours, and 54 minutes in space over the course of two space missions.
STS-87 (1997): This was her first mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, where she spent 15 days, 16 hours, and 34 minutes in space.
STS-107 (2003): On her second and final mission, also aboard Columbia, she spent 15 days, 22 hours, and 20 minutes in space. Unfortunately, this mission ended tragically with the disintegration of Columbia during re-entry, leading to the loss of the entire crew.

The Kalpana Chawla Chhatravriti Yojana is a scholarship scheme initiated by the Government of Himachal Pradesh in honor of Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-origin woman astronaut. The scheme is designed to support meritorious female students in the state who have passed their 12th grade and are pursuing higher education.
Key Features of the Kalpana Chawla Chhatravriti Yojana:
Eligibility: The scholarship is awarded to the top 2,000 female students in the merit list of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) after the 12th grade.
Scholarship Amount: The selected students receive financial assistance to pursue higher education in institutions across India. The exact amount of the scholarship may vary and is generally intended to cover a significant portion of tuition fees, books, and other academic expenses.
Objective: The scheme encourages female students to continue their education beyond school and supports them in overcoming financial barriers.
Application Process: Eligible students are typically automatically considered based on their performance in the 12th board exams conducted by HPBOSE, so there’s no need for a separate application process.
This initiative is a step toward empowering girls in the state by promoting education and encouraging academic excellence.

Kalpana Chawla’s first mission in space was aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-87, which launched on November 19, 1997. She served as a mission specialist and was responsible for deploying a Spartan satellite that was designed to study the outer layers of the sun. Unfortunately, the satellite malfunctioned after deployment, and a spacewalk was required to retrieve it. This mission made her the first woman of Indian origin to travel into space.