Flying towards 10,000 m… and beyond
You might think solar energy with its infinite potential has become second nature, woven seamlessly into our habits, political decisions and new developments. Yet the reactions and comments on our social media remind us there is still work to be done! There are still sceptics who question the purpose of the challenges our electric solar aircraft takes on. This is exactly why our mission remains so important. Each flight by HB-SXA – like those in June preparing for this summer’s 10,000m flight over the Swiss Alps – is another symbolic step forward. Fulfilling the dream of Icarus: flying ever higher, without burning fossil fuels – or our wings. A powerful statement that a decarbonised future is already in motion. We invite you to join us for what promises to be an exhilarating summer!
Performance flights
Around 10 flights this month enabled us to perfect the variable-pitch settings of our new propeller and confirm the performance gains. The news is promising as we prepare to reach FL330 this summer: HB-SXA is climbing faster than ever. The test campaign ended with a performance flight on 25 June, when our test pilot reached FL170 – over 5,000 metres. This was also a chance to test the automatic power cut-off protection system – vital for optimising battery use and solar energy at high altitude. Now we head to Sion Airport, where the team will settle in to prepare for the 10,000 m attempt!
Truck vs. plane
It was like a scene from an action film on 23 June at Payerne Airport. An electric articulated lorry, the Volvo FH Electric T from our partner Planzer, sped along at 80km/h as our aircraft flew overhead and accelerated to 120km/h to win this ‘electric race’! The high-speed choreography was captured by helicopter. The goal – to raise awareness about switching to clean mobility to protect the planet – was achieved in full: numerous media outlets picked up the Keystone-ATS photo of the SolarStratos-liveried lorry, capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes of cargo with minimal CO2 emissions, being buzzed by our featherweight solar-powered aircraft.
Read the full story on Watson.ch.
Special Stratostime
To (re)experience the challenge with the Planzer electric truck, take a look at the special Stratostime edited by Stéphane Chopard, in charge of the videos and films documenting the SolarStratos mission. In one minute, this clip captures the intensity of the moment and the power of the image in promoting low-carbon transport for a more sustainable world
Flying with Fred To
A wonderful return to the future. In early June Raphaël Domjan and Fred To shared a flight rich in symbolism. To, a pioneer of the first solar adventure in 1978, took to the skies once more with today’s pioneer Domjan for an electric flight over Switzerland. A few days earlier, To – the co-designer of the world’s first solar aircraft – had also joined remotely from England for the opening of the PlanetSolar Foundation exhibition, which runs until 23 October at the Kosmos space of Primeo Energie in Münchenstein (BL).
The winner’s flight
Our online game – where you collect suns while avoiding clouds – culminates each year in a contest. This month the 2024 winner enjoyed his prize: an electric flight in a Pipistrel with Raphaël Domjan. Congratulations to Daryl, who achieved several top-10 finishes, including the current record of 17,900 points. For his flight from Ecuvillens he was joined by his sister Chloé, who also excelled in the game. Now it’s your turn! Enter the 2025 edition – it’s an unforgettable thrill to chase the sun across the sky.
Join the fun here: www.solarstratos.com/aventure/game.html
