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<\/p>\nAs storm clouds gather over the United States, one striking graph has caught Rapha\u00ebl Domjan’s attention. The data underscores the critical role of solar energy in the fight to save our climate \u2014whether or not Donald Trump cares to acknowledge it. Yes, “Sun is fun, Mr President!” SolarStratos has already been busy in the first few months of this year highlighting its potential \u2013 notably on ARTE on February 6. This newsletter announces another high-flying event \u2014 also cause for celebration: you are reading the 100th edition of our newsletter!<\/p>\n
The graph illustrating the rapid rise of solar energy \u2014 outpacing coal, gas, and oil \u2014 confirms that it is THE resource of the future and our best hope for saving the climate. Rapha\u00ebl Domjan summarised this powerfully: “It is the cheapest, safest, least polluting, and least resource-intensive energy source. It also bridges the gap between the Global North and South, enabling developing countries to limit their reliance on polluting energy sources. Above all, it is the most inclusive energy \u2014 everyone can produce their own. The sun shines for everyone.” Yes, even Mr Trump can get sunburnt.<\/p>\n
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Precision timing saw Rapha\u00ebl Domjan make it to ARTE\u2019s studio just in time on February 6. A delayed TGV meant a last-minute motorbike taxi dash to reach the set of\u00a028 Minutes, where the discussion centred on the 100% eco-friendly aircraft. Joined by engineer Laurent Castaign\u00e8de and aerospace journalist Caroline Bruneau, Rapha\u00ebl Domjan engaged with host \u00c9lisabeth Quin, delivering a crucial message: “We must face the challenges ahead with optimism! We need to offer young people a vision for the future \u2014 without it, we risk dragging our civilisation into despair, stagnation, and the status quo. It\u2019s not just aeroplanes that need to go green; our world and our skies must too!”<\/p>\n
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As previously mentioned, HB-SXA underwent a comprehensive inspection this winter at ElektraSolar in Germany. Meanwhile, on 5 February, the solar cells on our aircraft were also checked by CSEM, a Swiss centre of excellence partnering the mission: visual inspection, performance measurement, thermography, bonding: everything is ok. With maintenance now successfully completed, our experimental solar-electric aircraft is set to return to its home base in Payerne in the coming days. It will be reassembled in March before taking to the skies for its first post-maintenance flights equipped with new enhancements, including two additional half-batteries. On the horizon this summer in Valais: a new 10,000m world record attempt.<\/p>\n
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Yes, you read that right\u2014this is the 100th edition of the SolarStratos newsletter!<\/p>\n
The very first issue was sent out on December 24, 2014, just in time for Christmas. It chronicled the first steps of our adventure, that already included the CSEM. Since then, over the course of these 100 newsletters and twenty news items, we\u2019ve come a long way \u2014 including a year-long pause due to the Covid pandemic. Now, ten years and 100 flights later, we stand on the brink of a historic achievement: the world altitude record. With our variable-pitch propeller poised for action, the entire team is ready to make it happen for you this summer! Are you ready for take-off?<\/p>\n
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