India Releases Illustrated Comic Book On NASA Astronaut Kalpana Chawla

SHUTTLE NEWS

File photo of Kalpana Chawla.

Mumbai (AFP) Sep 04, 2005
The life of Indian-born NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla, who died when space shuttle Columbia disintegrated while re-entering the Earth's atmosphere two years ago, has been immortalised in comic book form.

A 32-page graphic novel was released at a local bookstore and on the Internet Sunday as part of the Amar Chitra Katha series of Indian heroes and historical events published by India Book House.

"Kalpana's story is of unusual courage, ambition and achievement, which will inspire young people for times to come," said the publisher's marketing communications manager Pooja Vir. "She is a true contemporary hero."

The series is widely read, with 437 titles and sales estimated at 90 million worldwide since 1970. The book on Chawla sells for 30 rupees (70 cents).

The book recounts the life of the astronaut from her early childhood in a north Indian town in Haryana state to her experiences as mission specialist on the shuttle which disintegrated on February 1, 2003, killing all seven crew.

Dozens of children at the book launch watched a 20-minute documentary on Kalpana Chawla's experiences working with NASA, provided by her husband Jean-Pierre Harisson.

"I came here with mixed thoughts," said 15-year-old Mumbai student Meghna Pithadia. "But I am convinced to make space exploration my career."

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