NCERT Solutions Chapter 4 - An Indian American Women in Space: Kalpana Chawla, English, Class 6

Introduction:
The fourth chapter of the Class 6 English textbook is about the inspiring life of Kalpana Chawla, an Indian American astronaut. The chapter narrates her journey from her childhood in India to her becoming an astronaut in the United States, and finally, her tragic death in the space shuttle Columbia disaster. This chapter aims to inspire students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

1. What inspired Kalpana Chawla to become an astronaut?
Kalpana Chawla was inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing when she was a young girl in India. She was fascinated by the idea of space exploration, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

2. How did Kalpana Chawla face challenges in her life?
Kalpana Chawla faced many challenges in her life, including the gender bias in India, where girls were not encouraged to pursue careers in science and technology. She also faced many rejections before finally being selected as an astronaut by NASA. However, she never gave up on her dreams and worked hard to overcome these challenges.

3. What were the achievements of Kalpana Chawla as an astronaut?
Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She made two spaceflights, during which she conducted several experiments and helped to deploy satellites. She was a skilled pilot and a dedicated astronaut who inspired many young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

4. What was the cause of the Columbia disaster?
The Columbia disaster was caused by a piece of foam that fell off the external fuel tank during the launch. The foam struck the left wing of the shuttle, damaging the heat shield, which caused the shuttle to break apart during re-entry, killing all seven crew members, including Kalpana Chawla.

5. How did Kalpana Chawla inspire young people?
Kalpana Chawla inspired young people through her determination, hard work, and dedication to her dreams. She showed that with perseverance and effort, anything is possible. She also inspired young girls to pursue careers in science and technology, breaking down gender stereotypes.

6. What lessons can we learn from Kalpana Chawla's life?
Kalpana Chawla's life teaches us several important lessons, including the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to one's dreams. Her life also highlights the need to break down gender stereotypes and to encourage girls to pursue careers in science and technology. Finally, her tragic death reminds us of the risks and sacrifices that come with exploring the unknown.

Where was Kalpana Chawla born? Why is she called an Indian – American? (3)

Answer: Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal, Haryana.

She got married to an American citizen and thus became a naturalized American. So, she is called an Indian-American.

Question 2. When and why did she go to the U.S.? Who did she marry? (2, 3)

Answer: She went to the U.S. for studies in aeronautical engineering. She married flight instructor Jean-Pierre Harrison.

Question 3. How did she become an astronaut? What gave her the idea that she could be an astronaut? (3)

Answer: She applied for NASA’s space shuttle program and got hired as a research scientist at NASA. She was then selected for training as an astronaut in 1994.

Question 4. What abilities must an astronaut have, according to the journalist? (6)

Answer: According to the journalist, one needs to know a lot about everything- biology, astrophysics, aeronautical engineering to be an astronaut.

Question 5. Describe Kalpana Chawla’s first mission in space. (5)

Answer: Kalpana Chawla’s first mission in space lasted 15 days, 16 hours and 34 minutes. She went around earth for 252 times, travelling 10.75 kilometers. A Ukrainian and a Japanese astronaut were also among the crew members.

Question 6. What does Kalpana Chawla say about pursuing a dream? Do you agree with her that success is possible?

Answer: Kalpana says that, “The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get onto it… Wishing you a great journey.”

Yes, I do agree with her that with vision and courage, success is possible.