Astronaut:
An astronaut is a person who travels in space. They are specially trained to work in space and carry out scientific experiments. Astronauts are also known as cosmonauts or taikonauts depending on the country they belong to.

Indian-American Woman in Space: Kalpana Chawla - Summary:
Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut who made history as the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She was born in Karnal, Haryana, India, on March 17, 1962. Kalpana had a passion for flying since childhood and dreamt of becoming an astronaut.

Early Life and Education:
Kalpana Chawla completed her schooling in India and then pursued a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College. She later moved to the United States to further her education and obtained a Master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas. Kalpana went on to earn a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado.

Career as an Astronaut:
Kalpana Chawla joined NASA in 1995 and was selected for her first space mission in 1997. She flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist. During her time in space, Kalpana conducted various scientific experiments and logged over 372 hours in space.

Tragic Accident:
On February 1, 2003, tragedy struck when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry, resulting in the death of all seven crew members. Kalpana Chawla, along with her fellow astronauts, lost their lives in the accident. The loss of Kalpana Chawla was a great blow to the Indian-American community and the field of space exploration.

Legacy:
Kalpana Chawla's journey and achievements continue to inspire many people, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams in the fields of science and space exploration. She serves as a symbol of courage, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. Several scholarships, awards, and buildings have been named in honor of Kalpana Chawla to keep her memory alive.

Conclusion:
An astronaut is a remarkable individual who ventures into the unknown realm of space. Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American astronaut, made significant contributions to space exploration before her untimely demise. Her story is one of bravery, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.

Astronaut = A person who trained to travel in a Spacecraft.