Biography of Kalpana Chawla was written by?
VerifiedAnswer: Jean Pierre Harrison
Explanation:
Jean Pierre Harrison authored the comprehensive biography of Kalpana Chawla, the pioneering Indian-American astronaut who captured hearts worldwide. This biography serves as an important literary work that documents the extraordinary life journey of one of India's most celebrated space explorers.
Kalpana Chawla's story is truly inspirational, beginning from her humble origins in Karnal, Haryana, to becoming the first Indian woman to travel to space. Harrison's biography captures her determination, academic excellence, and unwavering pursuit of her dreams despite numerous challenges. The book chronicles her educational journey from Punjab Engineering College to her advanced studies in the United States, where she earned her master's and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering.
The biography details her groundbreaking achievements at NASA, including her selection as a mission specialist and her historic space missions. Harrison meticulously documents her first space flight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, where she served as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. The book also covers her preparation for the fateful STS-107 mission in 2003, which tragically ended with the loss of the entire crew during re-entry.
Harrison's work is particularly valuable for students and young readers as it presents Chawla not just as an astronaut, but as a role model who broke cultural and gender barriers. The biography emphasizes her dedication to science, her love for flying, and her ability to balance her Indian heritage with her American achievements. It showcases how she remained connected to her roots while pursuing her passion for space exploration, inspiring countless young minds, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and technology.
