Swiss solar aircraft SolarStratos has achieved a significant milestone by reaching an altitude of 9,521 metres during a flight above Valais, Switzerland, setting an unofficial world record for solar-powered flight. Piloted by Raphaël Domjan, this flight lasted 5 hours and 9 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 9,235 metres established by Bertrand Piccard’s Solar Impulse. The achievement is pending official validation from the Fédération Internationale d’Aviation (FAI) and reflects SolarStratos’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology while promoting environmental awareness.
On this historic flight, which took off from Sion Airport, the aircraft was solely powered by solar energy supplemented by local thermals. This record marks a significant step in SolarStratos’ overarching goal to eventually reach the stratosphere using only solar power. The project, initiated in 2015, is part of a wider mission to inspire interest in renewable energy solutions and environmental protection initiatives.
Raphaël Domjan, the pilot and founder of the SolarStratos project, previously achieved fame for his earlier endeavor, PlanetSolar, which made history as the first solar-powered vessel to complete a circumnavigation of the globe in 2012. The latest flight not only solidifies his commitment to solar aviation but also aims to showcase the potential of solar energy in transforming future air travel.