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In December 1994, Kalpana was selected by NASA for being trained as an astronaut. She was one among the six candidates selected among the 2962 competitors. She was sent for training to Johnson space center in the fifteenth group of astronauts. After one year’s training she was found fit for the job.

On the 19 November, 1997 Kalpana went into space on Columbia STS-87 from Kennedy space center, Huston, Florida. There were six people on board- one commander, one pilot, two mission specialists and two P.E.L.O.D. specialists. Kalpana was mission specialist number one. After doing many observations and experiments in space for 17 days, 16 hours and 32 minutes, she returned on 5th December, 1997. Kalpana and realized her dream.

Columbia space shuttle was repaired and over hauled in 1999. STS means `space Transport station’. It looks its first flight in space in 1981. But its first important mission took place in 1991 when it took a laboratory and scientist on board. It could land on a runway like an aeroplane.

Kalpana was selected for one more space program. Her sharp intelligence, working style, courage and patience and perseverance helped her to get her a place. It was the 28th flight of the Columbia space shuttle. Kalpana and six other astronauts started on their STS- 107 mission on 16 January, 2003. This time the research scientists studied the insects, fishes, crystals, weaves, fire along with themselves in space for 16 days. They all were in weightless position. The shuttle went round the earth at a distance of 277 kilometers. It was moving at about 28,325 kilometers per hour.

After completing their work the scientists started to return to earth. The shuttle was programmed for it. It was 1 February 20003. Just 15 minutes before its landing, the Columbia shuttle burst into pieces.

Now she is no, but she always live in the people hearts.

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