EBACE 2023: our simulator gave its pilots wings!

The sun shone on the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition last week when our whole team put our mission to promote sustainable aviation in the spotlight at the Geneva event. As the first guest speaker at the opening ceremony Raphaël Domjan set the tone, calling on the aviation industry to set an example: “If this sector, where decarbonisation is the most difficult, takes up the challenge, the message would be fantastic, no sector would be able to avoid it.”

But above all, SolarStratos shared the dream at the event, with the HB-SXA simulator on hand to give some lucky candidates the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying solar. Among them, 17-year-old Mack Rutherford – the youngest pilot to complete a solo around the world flight – and Erik Lindbergh, the grandson of Charles Lindbergh who completed the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927. The experience provided a ray of sunshine for the young pilots and was a great warm-up for the Paris Air Show which will take place at Le Bourget from 19-25 June where SolarStratos will be on site — and hopefully in the air too!

Massimo Fiorin flies over
Payerne – from Geneva!

“Incredible. Fantastic to be able to fly over the Payerne runway that I see every day from my office!” (editor’s note: this was said from the SolarStratos stand in Palexpo). Still at the controls of the simulator, Massimo Fiorin, Managing Director of swiss aeropole, expressed his enthusiasm: “SolarStratos gives those involved in aviation the confidence to tackle the challenges of the energy transition and find solutions, while at the same time attracting young people to careers in aeronautics. We can enjoy exciting, adrenalin-fuelled experiences. Like reaching the edge of space in a solar-powered aircraft that produces absolutely no pollution!”

Giovanni Russo:
“Flying like this is a real dream”

Giovanni Russo, Head of Operations at Geneva Airport, also enjoyed his experience on the flight simulator. “Excellent. Unheard of. A great feeling. Very smooth, it reminded me of a motor glider. It proves that we can switch from traditional fuel to solar and electric energy. It’s a benchmark for the future, for the decarbonisation of our industry and the legitimacy to continue to exist in this world. Having flown mainly internal combustion engines and motor gliders, to be able to fly independently and sustainably is a real dream!”

And the dream is already a reality, as Juergen Wiese, Chairman of the EBAA, highlighted: “Look at my smile! If you only dream, you’re just a dreamer. What you are doing with SolarStratos – already flying – is reality. You’re taking us forward and proving that aviation can reinvent itself!”

Live on EBACE TV

Of the many contributions made by our pilot and founder at EBACE 2023, you can watch the interview that he gave a couple of hours after his speech at the opening ceremony here on EBACE TV: https://youtu.be/GLuO83SsvuA

On Wednesday, Raphaël gave a talk at the Sustainability Theatre entitled ‘Take a Trip to the Stratosphere!’. Take a trip to the stratosphere powered by the sun. A reminder to the business aviation sector of its commitment, in 2009, to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2050 in the face of climate change (BACCC).

Genesis and its all-electric range
teams up with SolarStratos

Genesis is joining the SolarStratos adventure as official automotive partner with its range of all-electric vehicles. Raphaël Domjan has the pleasure of driving a Genesis V60: “My first all-electric car. It’s very attractive, with impressive torque and power, while being silent and CO2 emission-free,” he said.
Piergiorgio Cecco, Head of Regional Operations at Genesis Motor Switzerland, said: “This collaboration represents a major step forward in our brand’s vision of a sustainable future.”

Wanted: multi-skilled mechanic!

Did you see the advert? Spread the word! There are still a few hours left to apply.

SolarStratos is looking for a multi-skilled mechanic to complete its team. Do you have practical training in mechanics? Are you flexible? Available and passionate about our eco-adventure? Apply, via the jobup platform only, until 2 June 2023. https://lnkd.in/eWAQAARU

 

On the evening of Monday 17 April the trailer carrying HB-SXA arrived in Payerne from our partner Elektra Solar in Germany.. The atmosphere around its arrival resembled that of a spy movie, the airplane passed through the security gate in the middle of the night and soundlessly crossed the tarmac before slipping into the SolarStratos home base which was lit up in welcome. In the hours that followed its arrival the plane was reunited with its wings and various other components, and emerged just in time for the partners’ evening with a new face – literally. HB-SXA is now ready to fly – without emissions – towards the challenges and records planned for 2023. Take off will happen as soon as all the technical modifications are approved by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and a new permit to fly is issued.

 

A new nose

Have you noticed the change? The new engine, its new larger propellor with improved variable pitch, and the new battery arrangement have changed the front of HB-SXA quite a bit. The plane has a new nose, and above all a new smile as the increase from six to eight batteries for the next altitude record require an increase in air supply for cooling purposes. Hence the larger opening at the front of the fuselage in the shape of a fish’s mouth. A new and friendlier look!

A partners’ evening and a boost

The SolarStratos partners were invited to the home base in Payerne on Wednesday 19 April for the much-anticipated partners’ evening. The gathering was an opportunity to present the latest technical modifications that will facilitate a first attempt at an altitude record this summer, plus the forthcoming events such as the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva in May and the Paris Air Show in June. The plane’s new face did not go unnoticed!
During the evening guests were invited to express in a few words what they think the strength of the project is. Their answers, which gave the whole team a boost, can be found online on LinkedIn: here and here and Facebook.

Support for the climate bill

During the partners’ evening, Raphaël Domjan informed the sponsors of SolarStratos’ support for the Climate Law that will be put to a popular vote on 18 June. “An electric and solar aircraft project, which aims to be a platform for promoting solar energy and sustainability, must support Switzerland’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050,” he said.

Paris Air Show:
scouting in Le Bourget

The International Paris Air Show is a mega-event. And as you know, SolarStratos has the opportunity to feature among the giants of aeronautics with its small electric and solar aircraft from the 19 to 25 June. There are even plans for an exhibition flight over the ‘City of Light’, weather conditions permitting. The event which creates a city of 20,000 inhabitants for over 300,000 visitors and 3,000 journalists, requires a great deal of preparation. On 17 April, our Marketing and Events Manager, Jennifer Uldry, travelled to Paris for the exhibitors’ day along with Coralie Jugan, our press officer in France. We aim to shine and look forward to welcoming you in June. But before that, don’t miss SolarStratos at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition at Geneva-Palexpo from 23 to 25 May – come and try our simulator! We look forward to welcoming you onboard.

We announced SolarStratos’ participation at the 54th International Paris Air Show from 19-25 June in Le Bourget a month ago, and we have an update as to what form that will take (please see below). At the time of writing, the new engine assembly and new battery installation have entered the final phase in Germany, and HB-SXA will soon travel back to Switzerland where the aircraft will be prepared for the altitude record attempt scheduled for 2023.

In Paris with Presence Suisse

Presence Suisse supports SolarStratos. This organisation was created in 2001 by the Swiss Confederation to promote a positive attitude towards Switzerland and to present its diversity and appeal. The Federal Council’s 2021-2024 five-pillar strategy includes innovation and sustainability. This is why Presence Switzerland will support the presence of SolarStratos at the Paris Air Show. A 600m2 stand will present the challenges and technological solutions of this European project for solar-powered flight to the stratosphere. And don’t forget that the French national aerospace research centre (ONERA) has been a SolarStratos partner since 2020.

A meteorologist joins the team

Aude Untersee is a MeteoSwiss forecaster and a glider pilot. She brings valuable knowledge of the Valais thermals to the SolarStratos mission and will provide insight during the next altitude record attempt when HB-SXA will need to use these updrafts to gain maximum altitude. Aude has been a glider pilot since 2011 and is also a flight instructor for the Bex gliding group in Vaud. Welcome onboard!

Jonathan in action in Germany

Jonathan, an engineer in embedded systems from the Haute Ecole d’Yverdon-les-bains, joined SolarStratos for the October flight campaign – his first professional experience. The Swiss Air Force militia officer is responsible for aircraft electrics and instruments, he spent several days in Germany in mid-March focussed on SolarStratos. “Over a three-day period, I was able to install and wire the new batteries. We also rechecked the wiring diagrams following the improvements that have been made, and we installed the new motor controller, the element that regulates the aircraft’s power,” he said.

In short: SolarStratos is almost brand new and will soon be ready for the next adventure.

 

Alyssa Carson explores planet SolarStratos

Alyssa Carson, the American astrobiology student who dreams of going to Mars, visited Switzerland this month to explore SolarStratos. “Your mission is very inspiring because it brings huge innovation to aviation and offers hope to the next generations,” she said (in French!) following her visit. She recognised and welcomed the project’s mission to communicate and raise awareness around the potential of solar energy, and to offer a new perspective that reduces people’s eco-anxiety. By sharing her dreams of the red planet with as many people as possible, Alyssa Carson is also showing how a dream can become reality.

It was a pleasure to welcome her to the SolarStratos base. Thank you, Alyssa, for your enthusiasm and positive energy. We look forward to seeing you soon, in the air, in the stratosphere, or on Mars!

Some memorable firsts for our American guest!

When asked about the highlights of her three-day visit, Alyssa Carson listed all the firsts that she had experienced alongside Raphaël Domjan: “My first flight in an electric plane, my first flight over snow-capped mountains – I really liked the glass door which allowed me to feel at one with the landscape. It was the most beautiful flight I have ever experienced.” Raphaël also shared a zero G flight experience with his passenger (in the video footage you can see a smartphone floating in the cockpit!).
Plus, Alyssa was immersed in Swiss traditions with her first cheese raclette and a gift of Swiss chocolate in the shape of planet Mars.

Coverage and influence

Alyssa Carson’s visit did not go unnoticed by the Swiss media with several outlets reporting on the young space enthusiast’s time at SolarStratos, including those in the German-speaking part of the country (Blick.ch, etc.), while Swissinfo, Le Matin and La Télé reported on site.

The Up To You images published across the SolarStratos social platforms, and shared by Alyssa across her own networks, have been seen around the world. The two videos featuring Alyssa’s visit have exceeded 100,000 views. With half a million followers on Instagram and more than 200,000 on Facebook, this aerospace enthusiast is a solid influencer. Check out what we got up to during her stay here:

Ready for take-off?
Start the engine!

Preparations towards re-launching HB-SXA for its first altitude record attempts are well underway and the aircraft will be equipped with a new electric motor – solar-powered of course! The parts are arriving in Germany as we write to be assembled and fitted. And multiple other small improvements, such as more batteries in a new layout (photo: the compartment behind the pilot that will house three batteries), are being finalised. “Once this stage is complete, the fuselage will return to Switzerland. SolarStratos will have its wings reattached. And, as soon as possible, will return to the air,” explained Roland Loos, CEO of the mission. He also pointed out that all these modifications have been presented to the FOCA for the issuing of a new permit-to-fly. So that we are ready to go as high as possible!

A little bit more technical information?

The engine has a continuous power of 50kW, with possible peaks of up to 70kW. Its weight is about 12kg, and its rotating speed reaches 2000rpm (depending on the variable pitch and the propeller itself). The equation for calculating the blade tip speed puts HB-SXA, at 2000rpm, at a speed of 753km/h or 209m/s. A very important aspect worth mentioning is that if the tip speed approaches the speed of sound (about 340m/s, depending on conditions, temperature, and altitude), the efficiency of the propeller decreases, and it can become dangerous as there is a risk of breakage! That is why the larger the propeller, the slower it must turn.

SolarStratos will be at EBACE and Le Bourget

SolarStratos will attend two major aviation events during the first half of 2023. From 23-25 May, the mission will attend the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, and from 19-25 June it will be at the 54th International Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France. Save the dates!

Setting a solar-powered altitude record

The SolarStratos mission welcomes 2023 with enthusiasm and determination, driven by the inexhaustible solar energy that it promotes. Against the backdrop of the global energy and climate situation, the objective of this pioneering adventure has become even more crucial. “Faced with the eco-anxiety of young people in a collapsing world, SolarStratos seeks to offer prospects to enable them to dream and project themselves into a brighter future. This is the driving force behind our adventure,” explained Raphaël Domjan.

But to play its part in triggering a definitive shift towards solar energy and the preservation of the planet, the project needs to show results and demonstrate performance. “After last year’s test flights, and even though the challenge of reaching the stratosphere in this aircraft must seem like a dream beyond the realm of possibility, the time for serious things has come,” said Roland Loos, SolarStratos CEO.

This newsletter – our first of the new year – reveals what is in store for HB-SXSA as soon as the aircraft returns from Germany where it is being fitted with a new engine. Are you ready to fly high? Really high?

Setting records and using thermals to do it

This spring, HB-SXSA will return to the skies equipped with a new 50 kW engine that has a more efficient variable pitch propellor – installed in January in Germany – and with the knowledge and adjustments gained from the 22 test flights achieved in 2022. The goal is to fly higher. The mission is not only to break records, but to set an altitude record using a solar electric aircraft! But rising to the challenges of such a technological endeavour requires adaptation and thinking out of the box. One such challenge will be for SolarStratos to climb from 1,000 to 5,000 metres without drawing from its batteries too much. To do this, the pilot will seek out thermals and rely on these updrafts. Sion airport has been identified as the ideal location, a venue that proved itself successful for Raphaël Domjan and Géraldine Fasnacht’s first wingsuit jump last year. A specialist meteorologist will be supporting the team.

Some 2023 calendar highlights

In addition to breaking records and setting new ones, 2023 will see several highlights – at the end of January, the young American aerospace enthusiast and influencer, Alyssa Carson will pay a visit to Switzerland. And HB-SXSA is also planning to appear at several major aeronautical events. More on this soon!

Universities enter the fold

On 8 December, World Climate Day reminded us of the urgent need to act on environmental issues. Need we remind you of the figures? According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s report, the average temperature in 2022 exceeded that of the pre-industrial period (1850-1900) by 1.15°C, due to human activities. And gas concentrations in the atmosphere are making it increasingly difficult to stay below the 1.5°C warming threshold outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement. This urgency is a driving force for SolarStratos, and we applaud the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie project that seeks to make the 1,000 French-speaking universities, grandes écoles and research centres that it oversees, the cornerstone of a solid and sustainable educational ecosystem for the protection of the planet.

Goodbye Iris – see you on the tarmac for the first record!

Iris Muller’s cheerful and efficient contribution to the great team that is SolarStratos was a welcome addition during her 2022 internship as a marketing and communications trainee under the leadership of Jennifer Uldry, head of partnerships and events. Her position came to an end on 20 January, and the team wished her an emotional farewell. Raphaël Domjan, Roland Loos and Jennifer Uldry all recognised the work of this ‘sunny’ employee. Iris’s words touched everyone: “This year has been incredibly enriching. My thanks to you all. I have been inspired by every one of you.” Fly well Iris and good luck in the future, and as agreed, we’ll see you on the tarmac for the first record attempt!

As 2022 draws to a close, although the climate situation is serious, it is a time to celebrate. The oppressive shadow of global warming and the energy crisis make the SolarStratos adventure all the more legitimate. The challenge of flying ever higher in an electric and solar aircraft makes the SolarStratos project a powerful promotional platform and a vehicle for change. The mission aspires to playing a decisive and driving role in the necessary shift to solar energy. Because after all, the greatest gift in the world is the sun, its infinite energy available to everyone. We can’t compete with such a gift, but we can promote and share it with a maximum amount of people! Our last newsletter of the year comes with a few gifts to brighten up these end-of-year celebrations, and the entire SolarStratos team wishes you a radiant festive season!

The challenges of reaching higher in 2023

You lived our adventures alongside us, so you will recall some of our 2022 highlights, including a record setting world premiere wingsuit jump from an electric and solar powered aircraft in June in Verbier! This was preceded by a first inter-city flight in May between Payerne and La Chaux-de-Fonds, and of course the Ground Vibration Test conducted by the Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (the French national aerospace research centre), a SolarStratos partner since 2020. In total, we conducted 22 new flights, notching up 14 hours and 18 minutes in the air. And every outing allowed us to learn new lessons and to answer technical questions. Batteries, motor, the flutter effect, the variable pitch propellor – mastering each element is a challenge of its own. “Our challenge in 2023 will be among other things, to identify the best engine and battery adjustments to fly even better,” said Roland Loos, CEO of the mission. And above all, to fly higher. Ever higher. With you! And to demonstrate the potential of solar energy.

When a team outing gives you wings!

The end-of-year SolarStratos team outing brought 2022 to a fitting close with the whole team experiencing the magic of flying, like a plane, but without wings! For their latest adventure, the team headed to Valais to the Realfly (https://realfly.ch/) free-fall simulator in Sion. Courtesy of the SolarStratos partner, team members got to experience the breath-taking sensation of hovering in the air in a flight chamber that was 4.35m in diameter and 14m high! You only have to take a look at the faces featured in the photos to see that this adventure was mind-blowing! Experiencing Icarus’ dream was truly amazing, and the memory is still fresh in our minds!

Some videos for under the Christmas tree!

If you like our videos, you can find three more under the Christmas tree in 2022! You’ve already seen the ‘team’s wishes for 2023’ video on our channels, but don’t miss the ‘2022 highlights’ by our videographer Stephane Chopard who has captured the high moments, the behind the scenes, and the emotions of the SolarStratos adventure. And finally, to set the scene for 2023, our partner Up To You has produced a ‘2022 epic moments’ video with their signature tempo! Enjoy!

Some gifts!

If you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas, you are in luck! We have t-shirts, puffers, polo shirts, caps, pens, key rings, and Swiss army knives, all in SolarStratos colours with the mission logo. Take a look online at www.solarstratos.importexa.com. There’s plenty to choose from!

Paris Match: what an opportunity to raise awareness!

Among the clippings this year about our mission for a solar-powered world, several really stand out: Paris Match did a six-page portrait on Raphaël Domjan within their ‘Les héros de la planète’ (Heroes of our planet) series. You can watch the video that featured alongside the report here. Les Echos also featured a major report, to read it please click here. We extend our sincere thanks to the media, they play an important role in helping SolarStratos to fulfil its mission of promoting solar energy.

Our Christmas story: Bastien’s dream

“My children saw the solar airplane on 15 May in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and my eldest son completely fell under its spell. He was so disap pointed when he was told that SolarStratos was going home to Payerne! Since then, every time that he sees a plane, he asks me whether it’s the one that flies with the sun. I explain to him that if it is making a noise, then it cannot be the one.” Sheeba Ramseier’s story is symbolic of what a project like SolarStratos can convey, of the dreams of clean mobility and sustainability that it shares, even with the very youngest. And since it is Christmas, and to ensure that this tale has a happy ending, HB-SXZ dropped off a special package for Bastien to go under this Neuchâtel family’s Christmas tree.

Sunshine in October saw the successful completion of the 2022 test flights

After the summer’s record-breaking sunshine, October brought even more, allowing us to bring our 2022 test flight programme to a close. With the stratosphere the ultimate goal, each flight is a new challenge, and every test is carried out (batteries, variable pitch propellor, speed, vibration, etc.) to fine-tune, adjust, and modify the aircraft’s behaviour and to master the technical parameters. To find out all about our exciting month, fasten your seatbelts – it’s time for take-off!

In 2022 SolarStratos clocked 22 flights and 14 hours 18 minutes of flight time

In figures, here is a summary of the flights this year: Including the test flights, plus events such as the first wingsuit jump from an electric and solar aircraft in June in Verbier, and the first inter-city flight in May from Payerne to La Chaux-de-Fonds where the plane landed at 1,000 m of altitude, HB-SXA achieved 22 flights and 14 hours, 18 minutes of airtime. During the month of October, Raphaël Domjan and our test pilot Gérald Ducoin notched up a further five flights. Since the project launch, the team has achieved 68 flights.

New elements successfully tested

Two technical developments were signed off during the five test flights in October: The new battery configuration was successfully tested and approved by the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) as required for aircraft modifications. And the new propellor was used in flight. In addition to the fact that it has variable pitch – which remains to be tested in flight – its diameter has increased from 1.75 m to 2 m. As the thrust of a propellor depends on the surface area of the blades, you can imagine that HB-SXA has gained in propulsion. Look out Stratosphere, here we come!

A Partner Evening that inspired

“What makes a project like SolarStratos so exciting is…”

This was the question put to guests at the Partner Evening hosted on 4 October at the SolarStratos base, and their answers were inspiring, and a great source of pride!

Excerpts:

• Thierry Linder, CEO Marti Arc Jura: “The challenges of this project make you dream. Plus, it demonstrates that we must change our behaviour, right away. Otherwise, we’re heading over a cliff edge!”
• Léo Udodove, Relationship Manager Bitcoin: “To be able to leave the atmosphere, and to leave the planet powered solely by solar energy is a dream! Everything becomes possible. Why not travel to Mars using solar energy? Solar energy allows for everything, all hopes, without limit!”
• Massimo Fiorin, Director of Swiss Aeropole Payerne: “The dream with this project is to show young people that we can fly with clean energy. And therefore, to continue to dream of flying. With SolarStratos, aviation is no longer dirty. The desire to fly is no longer shameful!”

As you can see, very inspiring…!
You can read more from our partners on our social media channels:
On LinkedIn: https://cutt.ly/cNjZSKX
On Facebook: https://cutt.ly/1NjCYSx

Limmattal Economic Forum

Raphaël Domjan was invited as a guest speaker to the Limmattal Economic Forum (WIPO 2022) on 20 October to present SolarStratos. Sitting next to Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, the HB-SXA pilot was able to discuss the mission with the Minister. “I am very happy to have had the chance to show him the extraordinary opportunity that solar energy represents for our future,” he said. Launched in 1999, WIPO welcomes around 800 participants from business, politics, and industry every year.

Écrans de l’aventure in Dijon: “As long as there are adventurer-explorers left”

Raphaël Domjan had the privilege of chairing the Écrans de l’aventure festival jury in Dijon from the 13-16 October. He was impressed by the quality of the subject-matter presented and the crowd gathered at the event. “It is a pleasure to see that adventure still makes the young and the not so young dream,” he said. Our president also expressed his delight with the prizes that were awarded along with his fellow jury members Bouchra Baibanou, mountaineer and lecturer, Florence Saugues, grand reporter, Antoine de Suremain, adventurer and director, and Philippe Lafaix, author and director. The 2022 Golden Fleece Award (Toison d’or) for Adventure Film went to Yukon, a white dream (un rêve blanc) by Mathieu Le Lay. The Ushuaïa TV / Les Écrans de l’aventure Prize went to Fly Monarca, directed by Benjamin Jordan and Lyndsay Nicole, a film about crossing the United States by paraglider. For the full list of awards, please click here: www.lesecransdelaventure.com

HB-SXA makes the media rounds

The Keystone-ATS agency joined us in Payerne on a test flight day and the base was transformed into a movie set with the aircraft as the star of the show! The resulting film poster-style photo, news release and video news report were picked up by key Swiss media. SolarStratos continues to have star power! To see the video (again), please click here: https://cutt.ly/UNlhr23

After a first round of successful test flights at the beginning of September, SolarStratos is back in the air and heading into the next phase of the test campaign scheduled for early October. This month’s newsletter is an opportunity to share some information and insights, live from the frontier. Did you wonder why the 13 September flight ran on for 18 minutes? Read on to find out more as we take you behind the scenes!

Extended 13 September flight explained

Everything went smoothly for the second flight in early September. On Tuesday 13 morning, HB-SXA took off at 09:47 with pilot Gerald Ducoin at the controls for the second time, and Raphaël Domjan co-piloting. They climbed to 4,000ft, carried out the scheduled tests, and were heading home when the flight plan had to be changed, resulting in an extra 18 minutes of flight time. A technical problem you ask? Not at all… There was a traffic jam above Payerne! Yes, it happens in the air too, and SolarStratos may be electric and solar powered, but it is not entitled to special privileges. When the FA-18s are passing, HB-SXA must wait its turn! “It must be said that we are very, very slow in comparison, but also compared to the military aircrafts, helicopters, and private planes; but this situation is foreseen in the procedures and a waiting area is defined” said Roland Loos, CEO of the mission.

The essential FOCA flight permit

Aviation has its own control and certification organism. In Switzerland, this falls to the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), a body that administers identified flying objects. Just like earthbound vehicles, aircraft must be approved – and registered – before obtaining the necessary licence to fly. In the case of a prototype aircraft such as SolarStratos with its frequent tests and technical variants, a new permit must be sought every time the structure is adjusted. “Sometimes we send a sketch to Berne, and we get a greenlight the same day,” said Roland Loos. “Other times, the FOCA will visit the site to see the modifications.” For the October test flight campaign, a new permit was required. “These administrative constraints are the less romantic side of the SolarStratos dream, but they are also part of the adventure,” said Roland Loos with a smile. In addition to the high level of safety that the FOCA must guarantee for civil aviation, this agency also ensures that aviation ‘follows a sustainable development trajectory’. SolarStratos is more than happy to share its credentials in this regard!

Weather constraints: the sun is not the primary factor

After the heavy rains during the second half of September, the weather forecast for the beginning of October is looking favourable. But surprising as it may seem, the sun is not the most critical element. “We don’t use the batteries to the maximum during these test flights,” explained Roland Loos. The key is the cloud ceiling, and not having too much humidity or thunderstorms, which would make it impossible for SolarStratos to fly.

Variable pitch propellor. Ready to go for a spin!

The propellor! An essential technical part of the plane. It is the propellor that – activated by the solar energy captured and injected into the engine – drives SolarStratos forward, stirring the air to propel the plane. With optimisation in mind, the team has designed a variable pitch propellor. For the uninitiated, this means that the pitch of the propellor blades can be adjusted during the flight according to the conditions and the objectives. “This allows the pilot to optimise performance, for example to climb faster,” explained Roland Loos. But where is this famous propellor? Well, it’s right here in the HB-SXA base, ready for assembly, and ready to go for a spin!

Les Écrans de l’aventure in Dijon: “Raphaël Domjan for president”

What better choice than an eco-explorer and solar aviation pioneer to head up the Festival les Écrans de l’aventure film jury? From the 13-16 October, Raphaël Domjan will have the honour of chairing the film jury of the 31st edition of this major French event. This year, 14 films are in the running, plus 5 out of competition. And six books written by explorers are competing for the Prix de la Toison d’or.

For more information, please go to www.lesecransdelaventure.com

 

The holidays are over

The holidays are over, and SolarStratos is back to business. The team is reunited in Payerne and is preparing for new adventures and unlimited exploration! On the agenda for the next few weeks: a new round of test flights that will be carried out according to weather and technical constraints. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, the SolarStratos Club members and friends enjoyed a get together on Friday 2 September at the HB-SXA base. Raphaël Domjan’s presentation was followed by a lively discussion on the progress of the project, aviation, and the climate.

Record sunshine: “Solar energy is our future”

The sun has also been breaking records this summer. Switzerland has experienced excessive sunshine throughout the country, recording between 110 and 130% above the average from 1991-2020. July was the sunniest month since records began in 1959 according to the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology. Meteoswiss stations in the lowlands, northern Alps, and Valais measured over 300 hours of sunshine. “That’s as much as southern Spain,” said Raphaël Domjan.

These statistics are alarming in themselves, but they demonstrate the legitimacy of the SolarStratos eco-project. In the face of climate change, and gas and oil shortages, “solar energy is more than just a dream, it is our future. This record adds weight to our mission: beyond flying a solar aircraft, this project is a communication tool to demonstrate and promote the potential of solar energy.”

Vibration tests: HB-SXA shaken but not stirred!

A project like SolarStratos gives off good vibrations, but like all aircraft, it will be subject to the phenomenon known as ‘flutter’. Flutter is the effect of the aeroelastic coupling between the aerodynamic forces and the structure of the aircraft in flight. In other words, at a given speed, the aircraft goes into vibratory spasms that can intensify until it is destroyed. To simplify this further, flutter is to aviation what handlebar wobbles are to motorbikes or bicycles.

This summer, HB-SXA underwent the Ground Vibration Test (GVT) by the Office National d’Etudes et Recherches Aérospatiales, the French national aerospace research centre, and a SolarStratos partner since 2020. The importance of this test is highlighted by the fact that when the aircraft reaches the limits of the stratosphere, the scarcity of the air will force SolarStratos to fly much faster.

Please click here to watch the ‘flutter’ phenomenon.

A wingsuit premiere that “will make all generations dream”

In yet another SolarStratos world premiere, on the 18 June in Verbier, the solar aircraft piloted by eco-explorer Raphaël Domjan demonstrated its pioneering nature alongside ‘Lady Bird’, the extreme sportswoman Géraldine Fasnacht. The pair took off from Sion – the first-ever take off from the Canton of Valais – for the world’s first wingsuit jump from a solar and electric airplane. With innovative technology, risk management, and rigorous preparation, nothing was left to chance to achieve this extraordinary performance that delighted and astonished the large crowd gathered to watch!

“A magical moment!” said Géraldine Fasnacht, back on the ground again. “And a chance to fulfil a dream alongside SolarStratos. Exploration is unique and remains the best way to demonstrate what is possible,” she added, delighted.

Beyond the magic of the flight over the Valais Alps and the resort of Verbier, the stunt demonstrated the unlimited potential of solar energy. “With this pioneering spirit, SolarStratos is committed to making all generations dream of a cleaner and more environmentally friendly aviation, and world,” said Raphaël Domjan.

PlanetSolar runs aground – rescue is on the way

“It is 10 years since PlanetSolar was ours but hearing of its running aground south of Mumbai affected us greatly. Fortunately, there were no casualties. We have offered our modest support to the owner of the boat, and we wish him good luck in what is a very technical and complex rescue,” said Raphaël Domjan.

It was aboard this catamaran that he completed the first-ever solar-powered circumnavigation between September 2010 and May 2012. And even now, lessons have been learned: “We thought that if the batteries were submerged, they would have exploded, but they have not and there has been no pollution,” added the eco-explorer.

The latest news is that the boat, renamed Porrima and flying the Swiss flag, is currently being re-floated. “It should now be able to be towed to port for repairs,” said the former captain.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed.

SolarStratos achieves another world premiere

SolarStratos, piloted by our eco-explorer Raphaël Domjan, and extreme sports professional, ‘bird-woman’ Géraldine Fasnacht joined forces in June for a high-flying performance in the skies above Verbier, Switzerland, setting a historic world premiere for the first ever wingsuit flight from an electric and solar aircraft. This was one of several world firsts achieved that day and was the result of long and thorough preparation that carefully combined innovative techniques and risk management.

Beyond the magic of the flight over the Valais Alps and the resort of Verbier, this extraordinary achievement demonstrated the unlimited potential of renewable energies and of solar energy in particular. For Raphaël Domjan the stunt was about showing that “SolarStratos is committed to making all generations dream of cleaner and more environmentally friendly aviation solutions.”

The SolarStratos team would like to thank its partners and the many people present at the Val de Bagnes resort, as well as Sion airport, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation and Skyguide, who made this world premiere possible in ideal conditions.

Relive the premiere in pictures:

 

Two new partners join the adventure

Commune of Verbier

SolarStratos is delighted to welcome the commune of Verbier as an institutional partner. This innovative and avant-garde resort in the Val de Bagnes shares our values and promotes renewable energy through its various cultural and sporting activities.

Viteos SA

It is with great pleasure that the SolarStratos team welcomes Viteos SA, the leading multi-energy distributor in the canton of Neuchâtel, as an official partner and supplier. The company supplies water, electricity, natural gas, heating, and cooling to its service areas in Neuchâtel. This is a great opportunity for SolarStratos to combine the development of infrastructure with renewable energy.

Raphaël Domjan and the SolarStratos team would like to thank the Commune of Verbier and Viteos SA for their confidence. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank all our partners, who are with us daily and without whom our eco adventure could not take place.

The summer looks set to be hot

Summer 2021 was the hottest on record in Europe according to the European Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and Summer 2022 is shaping up to be as hot with a heatwave kicking the season off. Several meteorologists and climatologists have made the connection between the heatwave and global warming and have been met with hostile reactions. We cannot but make the connection, however, between the two phenomena.

According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, published on 28 February 2022, the impacts of climate change are expected to be more severe than expected for the same level of warming.

Climate change is increasingly affecting ecosystems, water and food security and access, infrastructure, health and well-being, the economy and culture.

Long live the holidays!

These first few months have been intense and have allowed us to test our solar aircraft in special conditions, but also to achieve some expected results and world premieres. As summer begins, we want to wish you a wonderful holiday period!

We look forward to seeing you this autumn and to continuing our solar adventure!

Raphaël Domjan and the Solarstratos team