Ready for take-off in 2024!

2023 was an eventful year for SolarStratos – the solar electric aircraft spread the word about the potential for solar energy far and wide. Some of the highlights include Alyssa Carson’s visit, EBACE in Geneva where the mission was present with the 3 axis flight simulator, and the pioneer’s evening at the Paris Air Show. Not forgetting Prince Albert II of Monaco’s visit to Payerne after the summer break for another electric flight with Raphaël Domjan! HB-SXA has been further optimised this year (specifically the batteries and propellor) and is ready for take-off in 2024 to set the altitude record for a manned solar electric aircraft. We can’t wait! But for now, the whole team would like to wish you Happy Holidays!

Our 2023 highlights video is here!

The festive season is also a time for taking stock. And for SolarStratos that comes in the shape of a highlights video. Written by Stéphane Chopard – the filmmaker that is documenting this crazy adventure – the ‘2023 highlights’ is ready for you. You’ll see, it has been an exciting year for SolarStratos – the mission has dramatically demonstrated just how much solar energy can contribute to the transition to a low-carbon world.

And the title of best influencer goes to…
Alyssa Carson!

You’ll remember that she visited us at our home base in Payerne at the beginning of 2023. She tried the new flight simulator and flew in the electric plane over Swiss countryside blanketed in snow. Well… Alyssa Carson has just won ‘best science influencer in the USA’! The whole SolarStratos team congratulates @nasablueberry for this wonderful recognition of her commitment. Relive her visit to Switzerland here.

With our best wishes!

Roland Loos, Raphaël Domjan and the whole SolarStratos mission team would like to thank you for being part of and for following this incredible solar adventure. Thanks also to all our sponsors, partners and supporters who make this project possible. All our team wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with positive energy – solar energy! We look forward to reconnecting in January – it’s going to be a great year!

The sun is still shining brightly – a fact that warms the hearts of those – including the SolarStratos mission – who advocate for the intensive use of solar energy to ensure a low-carbon future for the planet. This need for change is heavily underlined by the new 2023 temperature records. The coming year will be crucial for the SolarStratos project. Achieving an altitude record for a manned solar-electric aircraft with HB-SXA is not only the final step before stratospheric flight, but it will send out a symbolic message that yes, we can continue to dream. To fly. Ever higher. And above all, without harming the planet.

Records that are cause for alarm

In Switzerland, September 2023 was the hottest since measurements began in 1864. June, July and August were the hottest months on earth. Temperatures in Switzerland in October also exceeded the average by 3.1°C, less extreme, but still notable – the average was 9.8°C compared to 10.4°C in October 2022. These results have propelled the planet to the top of the IPCC’s forecast range and the 1.5°C maximum warming limit set by the Paris Agreement is about to be exceeded. It’s time to go solar. Resolutely and urgently.

Senegalese sun

Roland Loos and Raphaël Domjan, respectively SolarStratos CEO and pilot-founder, have been active on other fronts. In November, they returned to Senegal on behalf of the PlanetSolar Foundation to check the Saint Louis solar power plant that opened in 2019 and – alongside the local authorities – to inaugurate the CIFOP vocational training centre for solar installers, a vocational school in Mboro. This mission was organised by Roland Loos – who is very committed to Senegal – in partnership with Jean-François Affolter. Bravo Messieurs.

Monegasque sun

Solar energy is not only our future, but the future of aviation. This was the message that Raphaël Domjan conveyed in Monaco this month at the World Connect by APG event. Monaco Matin and Nice Matin marked the occasion with comprehensive coverage of the ambitious PlanetSolar mission and Prince Albert II of Monaco’s support for the project, including the sovereign’s visit to us last September. Positive, energising feedback!

A shop that will make you shine!

Would you like to support us and help the widespread use of solar energy? Christmas is just around the corner and if you would like to shine with us and to make your loved ones shine, don’t hesitate to go online and order your festive gifts! From Swiss army knives to microdown jackets, caps and pens – there is something for everyone. Children’s clothes too – they are after all the future of humanity!

https://www.solarstratos.importexa.com/

To track the HB-SXA flights as closely as possible

As you know, on the www.solarstratos.com website, you can experience every moment of HB-SXA’s flights online via the virtual cockpit. Some seventy to date! The latest enhancement to our solar-electric aircraft involves telemetry. The new, more precise system will also enable us to stream not just one, but two of the Go-Pro cameras on board!

“From now on, we’ll be using UHF waves rather than 4G giving us much greater range, estimated up to 20km,” explained Jonathan Amez-Droz, an embedded systems engineer trained at HEIG-Vaud in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, with whom the system was developed.

A new antenna will be fitted to the underside of the aircraft, along with new electronics to manage communications. The whole team is looking forward to testing these new features on their next flight!

Click here for the virtual cockpit: www.solarstratos.com/livecockpit/

A SOL-AIR evening with highflyers

Our SOL-AIR event on Friday 6 October at the base in Payerne brought together a group of pioneering minds for a discussion on environmental challenges. Invited by Raphaël Domjan, Professor Christophe Baillif, Director of the Sustainable Energy Centre at CSEM, presented the latest innovative solutions to our partners, friends, explorers and committed politicians. His exceptional contribution impressed the high-profile audience, including politicians committed to a sustainable future, such as François Pointet and Jacqueline de Quattro. Jacqueline de Quattro was incidentally re-elected in the federal elections on 22 October: Bravo!

“An ode to exploration, innovation and collaboration”

There are evenings when the stars and the sun align to radiate innovation and the spirit of adventure and one such took place on Tuesday 3 October, when our partner Marti Arc Jura SA, its customers, partners, friends, and employees joined us in Payerne for a celebration. The exceptional event was led by company director Thierry Linder and Raphaël Domjan, whose presentation showed how to push back the boundaries of what is possible. The words of Marti Arc Jura SA on LinkedIn (https://urlz.fr/o8mf) spoke straight to our hearts: “This evening will remain engraved in our memories as an ode to exploration, innovation and collaboration”.

Thank you!

Looking for gift ideas? Check out our shop and the SolarStratos Club!

Are you looking for an original gift for loved ones, your family or even your colleagues?

Here are two options that will also support our stratospheric challenge:

1. Online shop: you can buy a SolarStratos pilot puffer jacket, solar accessories, and other items. There is also the book ‘Pionniers et aventuriers de l’énergie solaire’ (‘Solar Energy Pioneers and Adventurers’) by Raphaëlle Javet and Raphaël Domjan which is well worth a read!

2. The SolarStratos Club: treat yourself or your loved ones to the SolarStratos Club. Membership gives you access to special content and events, as well as the SolarStratos pilot jacket with mission badges and even customised with your name depending on the category you choose! Are you an aviation enthusiast, a lover of the environment or just curious? Join us on our adventure towards a solar-powered future!

👉 Visit our online shop
👉 Join our SolarStratos Club

Thank you, Your Highness!

It’s not every day that we have the honour of welcoming a prince! On Monday 4 September, SolarStratos hosted H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco at the team base in Payerne, alongside a number of guests that included Vaud Minister Isabelle Moret, Neuchâtel Councillor of State Céline Vara and National Councillor Francois Pointet. Media coverage of the visit highlighted the Sovereign Prince’s commitment to a more responsible planet through the Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The Monegasque sovereign’s commitment and support made the visit all the more inspiring – it was a rare and moving moment for the entire SolarStratos team. Thank you, Your Highness! And now SolarStratos will reset its sights on the upcoming flights and the next major challenge of flying at 10,000 metres.

A simulator flight… and for real!

Presented with a SolarStratos mission jacket bearing his name on arrival, Prince Albert II explored HB-SXA, before trying his hand at the three-axis flight simulator accompanied by Raphaël Domjan. The prince had previously flown with Raphaël in Monaco on 14 September 2021 when he became the first head of state to fly electric. He subsequently received the relevant diploma from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). During a second electric-powered flight, H.S.H flew across Lake Neuchâtel, even taking control of the plane for a moment.

CSEM: a royal visit to the centre of excellence

The Sovereign Prince’s stay naturally included an official meeting with the Neuchâtel authorities, plus a visit to the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), a centre of excellence in photovoltaic cells and partner of Solarstratos. H.S.H. Prince Albert discovered the latest innovations and efficiency records, and Professor Christophe Baillif presented him with a personalised solar cell!

Heading for Lake Titicaca with PlanetSolar II

Invited by PlanetSolar Foundation, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco visited us alongside the Peruvian Ambassador, Mr Luis Alberto Castro Joo, to learn more about the PlanetSolar II expedition. An Aquabus T 850 – a 12-seater water taxi – is due to be transported to Lake Titicaca in Peru, the highest navigable lake in the world at 4,000 metres. PlanetSolar II will showcase solar-powered navigation against the backdrop of a fragile ecosystem, where altitude reduces the efficiency of internal combustion engines. The project fits with the objectives of the Albert II of Monaco Foundation which supports initiatives that improve the protection of our environment. Welcome aboard the PlanetSolar II project, Monsignor!

Next up: 10,000 metres

Autumn is upon us, but the year is not over for HB-SXA. Weather permitting, there will be further flights before winter to test the modifications made over the summer, in particular the new battery configuration. “The aim is to be ready for the mission’s next objective in spring 2024,” said Roland Loos, mission CEO. The next objective is well known: SolarStratos aims to fly at 10,000 metres, the highest altitude ever reached by a manned electric and solar-powered aircraft.

This summer of 2023 confirms it if confirmation were needed. By overexploiting fossil fuels, when solar energy is available on a (photovoltaic) panel, humanity is creating a pressure cooker that is driving up temperatures. With all the disruption this rapid warming is causing. With every piece of glacier that disappears, every flood, every windstorm that wreaks havoc, every piece of land that becomes desert, the SolarStratos mission takes on even more meaning. Demonstrating, with the enthusiasm of adventure and with the passion of a pioneering spirit, that the challenge of flying to the stratosphere in an electric and solar-powered aircraft is possible, allows us to dream in spite of everything. Our message is as clear as it is solar: to live our dreams in the future, we need to save our future now.

Un été canisolaire à records

The statistics promise to reach new records in 2023 for sunshine. This summer has seen some alarming firsts. On the night of 20 to 21 August, the zero-degree isotherm reached an altitude of 5,298 metres! It only took a year for the previous historic peak of 5,184 metres on 25 July 2022 to be exceeded. As for the heat dome, it sent the ground thermometer into a frenzy: 39.3°C in Geneva, over 41°C in Lyon. And almost 44°C in the Ardèche. Ah, if only mankind could tap into this inexhaustible source of energy…

Géo : Raphaël Domjan
parmi ses explorateurs

“Today’s explorers have swapped the desire to surpass themselves for a quest for meaning. And they see their expeditions only in terms of commitment”. In its latest special issue, GÉO Magazine chose Raphaël Domjan as one of its selection of explorers of this new type, who “became an expert in renewable energies and solar energy because he wanted to fight climate change”. Thank you to GÉO for relaying this message. And thank you to all the explorers who are shouting out that the planet must be allowed to keep on dreaming!

Exhilarating, but also moving and powerful! Taking part in the 54th International Paris Air Show last week in Le Bourget will go down as an important moment in the SolarStratos adventure.

Having Europe and Switzerland’s electric and solar-powered aircraft present at the most important aeronautical event in the world showcased the SolarStratos mission and conveyed its message to the giants of aviation.

A grain of sand to show this gigantic economy (India for example signed a contract for 500 Airbus!) the immense potential of electric power for a low-carbon future for aviation and the planet.

In addition to President Emmanuel Macron of France and 3,000 journalists, the International Paris Air Show attracted 400,000 visitors! Here are some of the highlights experienced by the SolarStratos team and its partners – Longines, Présence Suisse, the Canton of Neuchâtel, InnoVaud, and CSEM – in the 600 m² tent on the tarmac at Le Bourget.

Pioneers’ Evening:
back to the future

Being a pioneer today goes hand in hand with great respect for those of yesteryear. Our Pioneers’ Evening at the SolarStratos stand attracted a prestigious group, including extreme sportswoman Géraldine Fasnacht, explorer Bertrand Picard, solar navigator and pilot Raphaël Dinelli, astronaut Jean-François Clervoy, pilot Gérard Thevenot, navigator and mountaineer Eric Loizeau, and pilots Jean-Baptiste Loiselets, André Borschberg and Hervé de Saint Exupéry. Thank you to all those who honoured us with your presence.

Thank you, Mr “How Does It Work?”!

He arrived with a spring in his step, barely out of breath, ahead of his young cameraman. Welcoming Michel Chevalet, visiting the SolarStratos stand as a reporter for the Canal + channels, is no small thing. At 83, the French science journalist who inspired generations of television viewers with his legendary question “How does it work?” remains as passionate as ever about his subject. SolarStratos – or “solar albatross” as he calls it – excites him, and he salutes Raphaël Domjan’s passion. “Going up there, where you can see the stars and the shape of Earth below you, I did it with Concorde back in the day,” he said. “To do it with solar energy is edifying.”

At the end of the interview, the two enthusiasts thanked one other. And then they hugged. A symbolic moment that sent shivers down the spine of more than one onlooker!

A new lease of life in our media impact

Even before take-off from Le Bourget, France 2 set the world alight with magnificent images of HB-SXA in flight, filmed at Payerne. On the opening day, RTS broadcast a report in its 19:30 programme. Alain Rebetez wrote a hard-hitting full-page article in 24 Heures. Plus, we had coverage on France Inter, Europe 1, etc. At times, the SolarStratos stand felt like a press centre!

Raphaël Domjan, who is very committed to the objective of sharing the mission with the younger generation, was delighted with the coverage – two six-page special issues – published by the children’s magazines L’Actu and Mon Quotidien. A nice boost in media impact!

HB-SXA simulator:
the dream lives on!

It is instantly recognisable. Our three-axis flight simulator, with its triple screen arrangement, is always eye-catching. And it was the envy of young and old, even among the panoply of exhibits and experiences on offer at the Paris Air Show. Sadly not everyone had the opportunity to take the controls and fly over Le Bourget during the two daily sessions on offer, but the dream lives on!

Thank you, Le Bourget!

The gigantic scale of this world aviation showcase, its ultra-secure entrances and the constant stream of professionals and visitors, did not rule out some fun and friendly moments. Even on the social networks! The Show’s communications team relayed a picture of the SolarStratos team jumping with joy on the opening morning. We thanked Le Bourget and they thanked us back!

Don’t miss the SolarSratos aftermovie at Le Bourget, here: https://vu.fr/SXCS

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!