In 2016, energy efficiency pushed boundaries when a solar-powered plane circumnavigated the globe. Now solar powered flight enthusiasts plans to reach a whole new level, the stratosphere.
Raphael Domjan, creator and pilot of the PlanetSolar boat that circumnavigated the world, has revealed SolarStratus, a first-of-its-kind, manned, two-seated, solar-powered airplane. Test altitude flights will begin February 2017.
The plane is designed to reach space with clean solar power. Domjan will also be wearing a solar powered spacesuit . “Our goal is to demonstrate that current technology offers us the possibility to achieve above and beyond what fossil fuels offer. Electric and solar vehicles are amongst the major challenges of the 21st century. Our aircraft can fly at an altitude of 25,000 meters (82,000 feet) and this opens the door to the possibility of electric and solar commercial aviation, close to space,” said Domjan.
Click here to learn more about the SolarStratos.