When did she go to the US?
Kalpana Chawla went to the US in 1982.

Why did she go to the US?
Kalpana Chawla went to the US to pursue higher education and fulfill her dream of becoming an astronaut.

Details about Kalpana Chawla's journey to the US:

Kalpana Chawla, an Indian American astronaut, was born in Karnal, Haryana, India in 1961. She had a strong passion for flying and space exploration from a young age. After completing her schooling in India, she pursued a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh.

In 1982, she moved to the United States to further her education. She obtained a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Later, she earned a second Master's degree in 1986 and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1988 from the University of Colorado Boulder.

During her time in the US, Kalpana Chawla worked at NASA's Ames Research Center, where she focused on power-lift computational fluid dynamics. She also conducted research in the field of aircraft and spacecraft design, and worked on various NASA projects.

Importance of going to the US:

Going to the US was crucial for Kalpana Chawla to pursue her dreams of becoming an astronaut. The US had advanced space programs and opportunities for individuals interested in space exploration. By studying and working in the US, she gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to fulfill her ambition of flying in space.

Kalpana Chawla's journey to the US allowed her to immerse herself in a culture that valued scientific research and space exploration. It provided her with the resources, infrastructure, and mentorship required to excel in the field of aerospace engineering.

Her education and experience in the US ultimately led to her selection as a NASA astronaut candidate in 1994. She went on to become the first woman of Indian origin to journey into space as part of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-87 in 1997.

Overall, Kalpana Chawla's decision to go to the US was a significant turning point in her life. It opened doors for her to pursue her passion for space exploration and paved the way for her historic achievements as an astronaut.