In 1988, Chawla joined NASA's Ames Research Center, where she worked on various projects related to space exploration.
Chawla's first journey into space came in 1997 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia.
During this historic mission, she served as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator.
Her second and final space mission, STS-107, took place in 2003 and was dedicated to science and research.
Kalpana Chawla was married to Jean-Pierre Harrison for 20 years. Harrison, a fellow astronaut, was deeply affected by the loss of his wife and dedicated his life to continuing her legacy in space exploration.
Her remains were cremated, and as per her wishes, they were scattered at the National Park in Utah.
Kalpana Chawla's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.