When Solar Power Reaches New Heights
In Paris, the Avant-Garde Foundation brought together adventurer-author Sylvain Tesson and solar pioneer Raphaël Domjan for a breakfast event titled Collisions — and the ideas certainly soared. With both speakers deeply committed to sustainability and the future of our planet, the exchange inspired attendees like explorer Gauthier Toulemonde and left a powerful message: when visionaries meet, altitude is more than just physical.
Meanwhile, back on the ground — or rather, back in the air — the HB-SXA solar aircraft has returned from its maintenance in Germany. It’s now back at its home base in Payerne, fully restored and ready for flight. Test flights are scheduled from mid-May, aiming to assess new performance benchmarks — including altitude capabilities. A full weigh-in, à la professional boxing, is also on the schedule.
The sky’s the limit, once again.
Balanced to Perform
The HB-SXA didn’t just come back refurbished — it came back upgraded. A brand-new variable-pitch propeller now allows for more efficient climb performance. Ground tests have confirmed the precision of its balance and function, and early listeners report a subtly different, more electric hum from its engine.
This May’s flight tests will also include assessments of two new half-batteries, integrated to boost the aircraft’s overall energy potential.
Flying with the Sun
PV Magazine Spotlights SolarStratos: SolarStratos earned top billing in PV Magazine this month with an in-depth article by Ann-Marie Corvin, highlighting the project’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar-powered aviation. The centerpiece? A bold attempt this summer to reach 10,000 meters over the Swiss Alps — a potential world record in solar flight. A human-scaled mission, with sky-high ambitions. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/04/07/flying-with-the-sun/
To the Land of the sun god Inti
PlanetSolar II Reaches Lake Titicaca
While SolarStratos climbs the sky, PlanetSolar II sets sail — this time on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, and a place deeply rooted in the sun-worshiping traditions of the Inca and their god Inti. The solar-electric boat, operated by the PlanetSolar Foundation, reached the Bolivian shores in late April to begin a scientific and promotional mission focused on solar-powered navigation.
In a touching ceremony in Puno, the Swiss Ambassador to Bolivia officially handed over the vessel to the Binational Authority of Lake Titicaca. Full story and images at www.planetsolar.org.
P.S. Even the trailer got a touch of sunshine! Back from Germany, it was time for a little refresh — and Raphaël Domjan himself took to the task with good humor and a pressure washer in hand. A fresh coat of paint, a bit of elbow grease, and voilà: ready for the next adventure.
