CBSE Class 6 English NCERT Solutions: Chapter 14 An Indian American Woman in Space: Kalpana Chawla

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This chapter delves into the inspiring life of Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American woman who became a celebrated astronaut. The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 English, Chapter 14, provide a detailed exploration of her journey, from her birthplace in India to her achievements in space. Students will learn about her background, her move to the United States, her passion for aeronautical engineering, and her historic missions aboard the space shuttle Columbia. The solutions break down key aspects of her life, including the qualifications required for an astronaut and the specifics of her first space mission. These solutions are designed to help students understand the text thoroughly and prepare effectively for their exams by offering clear explanations and insights into Kalpana Chawla's remarkable story.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 14

Chapter summary

Chapter 14 of the Class 6 English NCERT Solutions focuses on the biography of Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American astronaut. It covers her origins in Karnal, Haryana, her pursuit of higher education in aeronautical engineering in the U.S., and her eventual acquisition of American citizenship. The solutions also detail the demanding requirements for becoming an astronaut and provide specific information about Kalpana Chawla's groundbreaking first space mission aboard the Columbia shuttle, including its duration and accomplishments.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the biographical details of Kalpana Chawla.
  • Identify the reasons for Kalpana Chawla being called an Indian-American.
  • Learn about the educational and professional journey of an astronaut.
  • Describe the key aspects of Kalpana Chawla's first space mission.
  • Recognize the qualities and knowledge required to be an astronaut.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Kalpana Chawla's Biography
  • Indian-American Identity
  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Astronaut Qualifications
  • Space Missions
  • Space Shuttle Columbia
  • Life in Space
  • Inspirational Figures

Important topics

  • Kalpana Chawla's background and journey
  • Reasons for her Indian-American identity
  • Requirements to become an astronaut
  • Details of her first space mission

PDF preview

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Questions and Solutions

Q. 1 A

Where was Kalpana Chawla born? Why is she called an Indian – American? (3)
Solution: Kalpana Chawla was born in the city of Karnal, which is located in the state of Haryana, India. She is referred to as an Indian-American because, after relocating to the United States to pursue her master's degree, she eventually obtained U.S. citizenship. This process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. while retaining her Indian heritage is why she is known as an Indian-American.

Q. 1 B

When and why did she go to the U. S.? Who did she marry? (2, 3)
Solution: Kalpana Chawla went to the United States of America after completing her Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. Her primary reason for going to the U.S. was to further her education and pursue a master's degree in the same field. During her time in the U.S., she met and married Jean-Pierre Harrison, who worked as a flight instructor.

Q. 1 D

What abilities must an astronaut have, according to the journalist? (6)
Solution: According to the journalist, becoming an astronaut requires an extraordinary level of competence and a vast range of knowledge. An individual aspiring to be an astronaut must possess a deep understanding of numerous scientific and technical fields. This includes subjects like biology, astrophysics, and aeronautical engineering. Essentially, an astronaut needs to have encyclopedic knowledge to effectively perform their duties in space.

Q. 1 E

Describe Kalpana Chawla's first mission in space. (5)
Solution: Kalpana Chawla's inaugural space mission took place aboard the space shuttle named Columbia. This mission was a significant undertaking, lasting for a total duration of 15 days, 16 hours, and 34 minutes. During their time in orbit, Kalpana and her crew completed 252 revolutions around the Earth, covering an immense distance of 10.45 million kilometers. A key part of their mission involved conducting various scientific experiments, including studies on plant pollination to observe how food growth is affected in the microgravity environment of space.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the reasons for her dual identity (Indian-American).
  • Not recalling the specific duration or achievements of her first mission.
  • Underestimating the breadth of knowledge required for an astronaut.

Revision tips

  • Read the chapter thoroughly to grasp Kalpana Chawla's life story.
  • Focus on the specific details asked in each question, such as dates, reasons, and descriptions.
  • Pay attention to the requirements and qualifications for becoming an astronaut.
  • Summarize the key events of her first space mission in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Where was Kalpana Chawla born?

Q2. Why is Kalpana Chawla referred to as an Indian-American?

Q3. What did Kalpana Chawla go to the U.S. to pursue?

Q4. Who did Kalpana Chawla marry?

Q5. According to the journalist, what kind of knowledge is needed to be an astronaut?

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kalpana Chawla?

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She was part of the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Why is Kalpana Chawla called an Indian-American?

She is called an Indian-American because although she was born in India (Karnal, Haryana), she later moved to the U.S. for her studies and acquired American citizenship, becoming a naturalized citizen.

What was Kalpana Chawla's first space mission like?

Her first mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia lasted 15 days, 16 hours, and 34 minutes. During this time, the crew orbited the Earth 252 times and conducted various scientific experiments.

What kind of knowledge is essential for an astronaut?

According to the text, an astronaut needs extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines, including biology, astrophysics, and aeronautical engineering. It requires an encyclopedic understanding.

How do these NCERT solutions help Class 6 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the questions based on the chapter 'An Indian American Woman in Space: Kalpana Chawla,' helping students understand the text better and prepare for their English exams.

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