After SolarStratos’ record-breaking flight on August 12th, reaching more than 9,500 meters above the Swiss Alps, Raphaël Domjan once again aimed high—this time aboard the PlanetSolar II. From September 30th to October 17th, he completed the first solar-powered boat circumnavigation of Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 3,812 meters. This dual expedition spanned 500 km across Peru and Bolivia, combined with water quality testing of the lake. And just like with the HB-SXA flight, this remarkable journey on the world’s highest navigable lake was powered entirely by solar energy. A powerful symbol in the land of the Incas, who once worshipped Inti, their sun god! These achievements, widely covered by the media, are both inspiring and purposeful—promoting the energy transition. That mission was also at the heart of a roundtable discussion at the University of Neuchâtel, where Raphaël Domjan, freshly returned from Peru, joined experts to address the urgent need for climate action.
Ready for a solar-powered tour of our October highlights? Let’s go!
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“Chasing the Dream”:
Exclusive Preview!
Save the date! The second part of the documentary on the SolarStratos mission, “Chasing the Dream,” will premiere on 20 November at Cinéma des Arcades in Neuchâtel. It revisits the record-setting flight of 12 August, featuring never-before-seen footage. This exclusive preview comes before the Stéphane Chopard film airs on television.
The screening will be attended by the director, Raphaël Domjan, and his team. Doors open at 18:45, mission presentation at 19:00, screening at 19:30, followed by a Q&A.
Please register at cds@solarstratos.com. Seats will be allocated in the order requests are received.
SolarStratos on the Cover of Info-Pilote
Yes, the dream of SolarStratos—to fly on solar energy all the way to the stratosphere—is getting closer than ever. “From Dream to Reality” is, fittingly, the cover story of this month’s Info-Pilote magazine. The entire team joins Raphaël Domjan in thanking Jean-Marie Urlacher and his editorial staff for this wonderful feature that shines a light on our adventure, complete with a stunning photo by Francis Demange—worthy of the cover on its own! We share this recognition with all our friends and partners, including Longines Watch Co., Bordier & Cie Private Bankers, Bitcoin Suisse, and many others.
Discover it at: www.info-pilote.fr.
Milestones Reached
A record flight is a moment to celebrate—but also a time to reflect on the many challenges we’ve overcome. Do you remember the “flutter tests” carried out by ONERA, the French aerospace research center? “Flutter” refers to the point when aerodynamic forces and the aircraft’s structure resonate, potentially causing destructive vibrations! Our scientific and technical partner put the HB-SXA to the test on the ground—literally making it vibrate to its limits. These innovative testing and data analysis methods made it possible to calculate the flutter threshold, ensuring safe flight operations. Watch the video with images of our documentarian Stéphane Chopard.
Climate SOS: a high-flying round table
How can we inspire change in the face of the climate emergency? With this title, the October 22 round table aimed to be inspiring — and it delivered, thanks to an exceptional lineup: Dr. Bertrand Kiefer, former editor-in-chief of the Revue Médicale Suisse and president of Médecine et Hygiène, who offered a deep reflection on human vulnerability in the context of climate challenges; “our” Raphaël Domjan, pioneer of solar energy, who came “home” to share his journey and his fight for solar power through innovation and his groundbreaking projects; and climatologist Martine Rebetez.
They captivated the audience under the moderation of journalist Vicky Huguelet, inspiring everyone to change their habits — to protect the biosphere and the climate.
Many thanks to Viteos, a long-standing partner, and to the City of Neuchâtel for their support of this event at the University of Neuchâtel.
France TV Sport: Record Flight on TikTok
The preparatory flights and the August 12th record have circled the globe – literally and digitally! France TV Sport featured SolarStratos widely on social media, including Instagram and TikTok. Their 2’24’’ video connects Raphaël Domjan’s latest feat with his first great adventure – the world’s first solar-powered circumnavigation with PlanetSolar—highlighting this Swiss pioneer reaching for the stars… on solar energy! Watch it here.
PVEI: SolarStratos Wins Jury’s Special Prize
The 12th Vaud International Business Awards (PVEI) ceremony took place on October 28th at IMD in Lausanne, celebrating three outstanding companies active in the Canton of Vaud and beyond. Presented by the Department of Economy and Innovation (DEIEP), the Vaud Chamber of Commerce (CVCI), and Innovaud, the 2025 awards went to: Ecorobotix, for AI-based agricultural technologies, Dubois Dépraz, for innovation in high-end watchmaking, SolarStratos, which received the Jury’s Special Prize for its promotion of solar energy and energy efficiency.
