Who was the first woman of Indian origin to undertake a space journey?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines general knowledge about Indian origin women in space exploration. Space related questions are common in competitive exams because they combine science, technology, and national pride. Knowing who was the first woman of Indian origin to travel into space helps students connect major space missions with the astronauts who flew on them, and highlights the achievements of Indian origin scientists and engineers at agencies like NASA and ISRO.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The task is to identify the first woman of Indian origin who went to space.
• Options include Sunita Williams, Kalpana Chawla, Darshan Ranganath, Avani Chaturvedi, and None of the above.
• The phrase Indian origin includes persons of Indian birth or heritage, regardless of their later citizenship.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to recall the timeline of space flights by women of Indian origin. Kalpana Chawla flew on NASA's STS 87 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, becoming the first woman of Indian origin in space. Sunita Williams, also of Indian origin, went to space later, starting with the STS 116 mission in 2006. Avani Chaturvedi is known as one of the first Indian women fighter pilots, not an astronaut. Darshan Ranganath is not associated with such a milestone. Therefore, the earliest correct name is Kalpana Chawla.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kalpana Chawla, born in Karnal, India, flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS 87 in 1997. Step 2: Recognise that this mission made her the first woman of Indian origin to travel into space. Step 3: Remember that Sunita Williams, of Indian and Slovenian origin, flew later, first going into space in 2006, so she cannot be the first. Step 4: Confirm that Avani Chaturvedi is known for becoming one of the first female fighter pilots in India, not an astronaut. Step 5: Conclude that Kalpana Chawla is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think about the major tragedies and milestones involving Indian origin astronauts. Kalpana Chawla is often remembered because she tragically lost her life in the Columbia disaster in 2003, after already having made history as the first Indian origin woman in space. Sunita Williams, on the other hand, is often mentioned as the woman holding records for long duration spaceflight but not as the first. Textbooks and exam compendiums consistently list Kalpana Chawla as the answer to this specific question, which confirms our choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sunita Williams: Although of Indian origin and a highly accomplished astronaut, she went to space after Kalpana Chawla. Darshan Ranganath: Not known in standard references as a space traveller of Indian origin. Avani Chaturvedi: Recognised as one of the first women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force, not as an astronaut. None of the above: Incorrect because Kalpana Chawla in the options satisfies the requirement.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse first woman of Indian origin in space with first Indian woman in space. The phrase Indian origin includes those who may hold foreign citizenship, like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, whereas a question about first Indian woman might be interpreted differently. Another pitfall is selecting Sunita Williams simply because her missions are more recent and better remembered. Paying attention to the word first and recalling the 1997 flight clears this confusion.

Final Answer:
The first woman of Indian origin to undertake a space journey was Kalpana Chawla.