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
SolarStratos completes successful tests and demonstration flights at La-Chaux-de-Fonds!
The SolarStratos team had an exceptional weekend at the Journées de l’Aviation at Les Eplatures airport in La Chaux-de-Fonds on 13, 14 and 15 May.
Having monitored the weather closely and pinpointed a window of opportunity, SolarStratos took off from Payerne on the Friday with Axel Valat at the controls and Raphaël Domjan on board.
At Les Eplatures airport, the solar plane made history becoming the first solar aircraft to land in the canton of Neuchâtel. The landing was complex – on a more technical and shorter runway and at an altitude of over 1,000 metres – but smooth.
Saturday was marked by a demonstration flight above the airport with a spectacular parachute jump by SolarStratos’ Raphaël. This was our eco-explorer’s second freefall from an electric plane!
Sunday saw the solar aircraft return to the base in Payerne piloted by our test pilot, but with a special guest onboard. Roland Loos, our CEO flew solar for the first time and was able to witness first-hand the work accomplished so far by the technical team. A magnificent and well-deserved flight.
European Climate Summit 2022 in Barcelona: Raphaël’s conference
Our eco-explorer was invited to participate in the European Climate Summit 2022 in Barcelona, Spain, on the 24 May. He presented his vision of the future and outlined the SolarStratos mission to numerous experts and political decision-makers during a conference on the theme of ‘experimental ecology and optimistic solutions for a sustainable world’. It was a golden opportunity to highlight the potential of solar energy and electric mobility on land and in the air to today’s decision makers.
World premiere in Verbier
Between the 18 June and 1 July, as soon as weather conditions allow, the Valais resort will be the backdrop for a unique public event: a joint world premiere involving SolarStratos and Géraldine Fasnacht, a world renown freeride snowboarder, base jumper, and wingsuit pilot.
In a magnificent setting, at the heart of the village, a colourful air show will unfold. To learn more or for the exact date of this premiere, please stay tuned to our social media channels on Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Linkedin: @SolarStratos and come and join us for this extraordinary moment!
In the air
The first round of test flights this year has gone as per the technical team’s plan! Raphaël Domjan manned the aircraft for several of the flights out of the team base in Payerne and it was pure pleasure for him to be flying the magnificent solar aircraft again after the winter break!
Optimisation of the plane and test flights
The technical team welcomed Axel Valat, test pilot, and Benoît Douxchamps, test flight engineer, onboard for this round of tests and their contribution was invaluable to the campaign; the quality of their reports was very positively received by the FOCA and the whole team is grateful.
It is a first for SolarStratos to be back in the air so early in the season and this round of test flights (from 28 March until 14 April) meant that Axel Valat could familiarise himself with the aircraft and that the team could carry out all the tests required to ensure that the flight schedule stays on track in 2022. A big thank you to the technical team who made this first flight campaign of the year possible!
The necessary data collected during the tests will allow SolarStratos to take off and land on a shorter runway, as planned for the next flight from Payerne to La Chaux-de-Fonds to celebrate the opening of the new terminal at Les Eplatures regional airport (13-15 May).
The technical team adjusted the new variable-pitch propellor, which will be tested during a future flight. The improved telemetry now offers full aircraft monitoring from the Mission Control Centre (MCC), including live images from the aircraft during flight – this is the result of efforts from the whole team, but in particular from Alexis and Yvan, with help from Pascal and Johann.
The first flight campaign of the year was short but fruitful and allows us to look ahead to the May and June flight schedule with enthusiasm and a degree of serenity!
Commémoration du 1er tour du monde à l’énergie solaire
Commemorating the first ever solar-powered circumnavigation
On 4 May 2012, the MS Türanor PlanetSolar crossed the finish line in Monaco having completed the first ever solar-powered circumnavigation. When they left the Principality 18 months earlier, Raphaël Domjan and his crew set out to demonstrate the incredible potential of renewable energies and their energy efficiency by achieving this historic journey.
On Friday 29 April, towards the end of the day, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Raphaël Domjan celebrated the 10th anniversary of this first round the world voyage. Together, they unveiled a commemorative plaque on the sea wall of the Avant Port of Monaco in the company of the crew. The emotional ceremony was already looking to future projects, including the SolarStratos Mission.
To close the day of celebration, the PlanetSolar Foundation hosted a gala evening at the Principality’s Oceanographic Museum. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco attended alongside numerous eco-explorers and partners. World firsts, exploits and future ambitions punctuated the evening and created wonderful memories for the guests in a magical, luminous, and historic setting.
A flight in an electric plane with Noam Yaron
Noam Yaron, 24, is a very active young man, both in life and on social media. In autumn 2021, he broke the record for swimming the length of Lake Geneva. Starting from Château de Chillon, he covered the 75kms and reached Bains des Pâquis in Geneva in 19h53m, knocking 2h46m off the previous record set in 2016 by a Spanish swimmer. This feat is part of an ecological campaign that aims to raise public awareness of plastic pollution in the lake.
Defending the same environmental values, Raphaël Domjan invited Noam Yaron to attempt to cross Lake Neuchâtel during their flight in an electric plane.
Flying in a Velis
As part of the Energissima trade fair in Bulle, France, Raphaël Domjan flew a Velis, a light and very manoeuvrable two-seater electric plane, accompanied by Mr Pierre Schwaller, founder of the trade fair in 2007. It was a great opportunity for our pilot and eco-explorer to share the moment with an advocate of events related to sustainable energy and technological solutions.
SolarStratos kicks off its first flight campaign of the new year
Spring is in the air and with the warmer weather, SolarStratos kicked off its first round of test flights out of the base in Payerne this month. The first taxiing and test flights proceeded as per the schedule which was months in the planning, and the pilots took full advantage to test the technical optimisations that had been completed over the winter months, and to prepare for the next flights at higher altitude.
The base undergoes a face lift
The team made the most of the winter months to upgrade the interior of the Payerne base, in particular with new branding highlighting our partners. As Raphaël Domjan says: “Our team spends a lot of time at the base working on SolarStratos and we regularly use it as a venue for our events, it is therefore important to have a welcoming place where partners and team members feel comfortable.”
In addition to the aircraft, the base hosts a photo exhibition dedicated to the pioneers and adventurers of solar energy, a visitor reception area, the Mission Control Centre, and a workshop and technical area.
A new helmet for our pilot
Raphaël Domjan tests his new H-CMB helmet made and provided by our partner LD Switzerland. With its innovative design, high level of comfort and its optimal customisable visor shape, this helmet represents a considerable asset for the upcoming flights.
Ocean conservation
Raphaël Domjan travelled to the Principality of Monaco to take part in the 13th edition of the Monaco Blue initiative co-organised by the Oceanographic Institute – Albert I Prince of Monaco Foundation and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
This unique discussion platform, dedicated to new ambitions for the protection of the oceans over the next decade, is based on the capitalisation of best practice and examples of sustainable management and ocean conservation. Please click here for more information: https://www.fpa2.org/fr/actualites/13e-%C3%A9dition-de-la-monaco-blue-initiative-une-nouvelle-ambition-pour-l-oc%C3%A9an-08171
Final days of the PlanetSolar exhibition at Quartier SIG – Geneva
PlanetSolar Foundation’s travelling exhibition ‘Pioneers of Solar Energy’, currently located at Quartier SIG in Geneva, is due to close its doors on 10 April. So, if you haven’t already visited, don’t miss out! Entry is free and you will discover prototypes dating from the middle of the 20th century right up to the present day, created by engineers who are passionate about aviation and navigation powered by solar energy. Make sure you look out for the model of the PlanetSolar catamaran that Raphaël Domjan and his crew took around the world in what was the first solar-powered circumnavigation in history. For more information, please go to: https://ww2.sig-ge.ch/actualites/pionniers-de-lenergie-solaire-une-exposition-de-la-fondation-planetsolar
Photo: of the exhibition – on the link above
SolarStratos – an ideal platform for environmental research carbon-free image capture
Flying an airplane in the stratosphere provides a unique perspective of Earth, not only for the human eye, but also for the scientific instruments used to study the environment. The University of Basel’s Research Group on Physical Geography and Environmental Changes focuses on the connection between environmental changes occurring on the ground and how they are captured by remote sensing.
High-altitude aircraft are an ideal platform to connect the telemetry process with the planet because they offer images with a much higher resolution than satellites and can collect relevant data in the short term and at lower cost.
SolarStratos offers environmental specialists a unique opportunity to develop new sustainable remote sensing tools.
A first flight aimed at testing the feasibility and accessibility of cameras and software for image analysis took place on October 13, 2021. Professor Nikolaus Kuhn, pilot and member of the Physical Geography and Environmental Changes Research Group, flew for two hours with Michel Cunier, a member of the SolarStratos team, to photograph the region between Lake Neuchâtel and Chasseral. These images were then processed in the imaging laboratory of the University of Basel. The results demonstrate that the image quality matches that of Google Earth and other commercial remote sensing products and that stratospheric aircraft can provide the service at a lower cost and with a near-zero environmental footprint.
In 2022, during a series of flights, SolarStratos will continue to support the University of Basel with its research. The images that resulted from the October systematic mapping process focused on the seasonal vegetation cover of the Massif du Jura and will make it possible to follow its evolution with precision while also contributing to reducing environmental impact!
An exclusive preview of the 2022 programme for our partners
It was a happy moment for Raphaël Domjan and the SolarStratos team at the end of January when they were able to welcome the SolarStratos partners once more! During two exclusive events at the end of last month, SolarStratos presented a 2021 retrospective and a 2022 preview.
The 2021 results are very positive, not only did SolarStratos have the honour of retaining the support of its loyal partners, but the group also welcomed two new main partners. As Raphaël Domjan often says: “our incredible solar adventure could not exist without the unconditional support of our partners and donors. I thank you all for your continued faith and loyalty and for always being at our side.” Plus, the planned test flights were all carried out to the satisfaction of the technical team, and the evolution of the communications strategy has made it possible to develop our presence across social networks and to strengthen our visibility.
In 2022, the SolarStratos team can look forward to many challenges and exciting deadlines, including a return to the skies above Switzerland at the end of March, weather permitting, a gala dinner at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first solar-powered circumnavigation by Raphaël Domjan onboard PlanetSolar, and of course more high-altitude flights and world premieres!
LD Switzerland protects pilots’ heads!
Raphaël Domjan and the SolarStratos team are pleased to welcome LD Switzerland as a new official supporter. Creators of helmets for airplane pilots, LD Switzerland is a young company driven by the spirit of innovation. The safety, comfort and creative design of their helmets is widely appreciated among the flying community. Roland Loos, SolarStratos CEO said of the new partnership: “We are delighted with this collaboration which starts this spring with the resumption of flights for Raphaël and our test pilot!”
The team is growing!
The whole SolarStratos team is happy to welcome Iris Muller who is going to support Jennifer Uldry in the marketing and events department from February 1, 2022, for a 6-month internship.
The technical team will also benefit from the skills of two new members this year: Axel Valat, test pilot and Benoît Douxchamps, test engineer, who will accompany Raphaël on his mission!
“Think beyond” with Bitcoin Switzerland
To announce its partnership with SolarStratos, Bitcoin Suisse SA has produced a video demonstrating its pioneering spirit and showcasing its ambition for our adventure. We invite you to watch it here: here :
SolarStratos alongside Bordier & Cie at Geneva International Airport
Look out for SolarStratos in the Gates area of Geneva International Airport where we appear on the big screen alongside Bordier & Cie in celebration of our partnership! No one can fly without a thought for our solar adventure!
