CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -MUMBAI: An Indian-origin neurosurgeon currently based in Canada has been shortlisted by NASA for its 2018 space mission under the Citizen Science Astronaut (CSA) programme. If everything goes as per plan, Dr Shawna Pandya (32) may join the league of Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams .

Detailed explanation-2: -Kalpana Chawla (17 March 1962 – 1 February 2003) was an Indian-born American astronaut and aerospace engineer who was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator.

Detailed explanation-3: -This Indian-American astronaut has set a world record of staying in space for more than 195 days. Today let us know some interesting facts related to her life on her birthday. Sunita Williams was born on September 19, 1965 in Ohio, her father hails from Gujarat, India, while her mother is from Slovenia.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sunita (Suni) L. Williams was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions, Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33.

Detailed explanation-5: -Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman to fly in space. In 1997, she flew on NASA’s space shuttle “Columbia”.