Solar Impulse: Fly Clean Around The World

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“I’ve been very passionate about renewable energy for many years, particularly solar energy and its capacity to bring abundant clean, sustainable energy to millions around the globe.”-Richard Branson

         Empowered with clean solar technology, a Solar Impulse is a long-range revolutionary experimental aircraft project. Intriguingly, Solar Impulse is also the name of the two of the aircraft. This project is privately financed and is led by Andre Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard. A single-seated monoplane, Solar Impulse is powered by photovoltaic cells and can take off under its power. 

Solar Impulse, a unique prototype was fabricated to remain in the air for up to 36 hours. In 2012, Borschberg and Piccard completed solar-powered flights successfully from Switzerland to first to Spain and then Morocco. The first flight test of Solar Impulse was conducted in December 2009. The duo conducted a multi-stage flight across the US in 2013. The second aircraft, Solar Impulse 2, was completed in 2014 that carries more solar cells and more powerful motors. Finally, in the year 2015, Borschberg and Piccard began globetrotting with Solar Impulse 2, by leaving Abu Dhabi (UAE).

In 2016, Solar Impulse 2 created history by completing the first round-the-world flight by a solar-powered aeroplane. The founders of the project have predicted that solar-powered planes that carry up to 50 passengers can be used for momentary travel by 2026. However, there is a clan of experts that still struggle with the dilemma that comes attached with technological innovation powered with renewable energy resources in the context of the long term. According to an investigation by RTS, a Swiss television network, the solar-powered plane was sold to Skydweller, a small start-up, in 2019 and they are planning to upgrade the technology for military purposes. The goals of this project were to make the first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only solar power aiming to bring attention to green technology.

From the Editor-in-Chief

From countless initial failed prototypes to inconvincible advanced aircraft, the Aviation industry has evolved in the most awestruck manner one can think of. Carbon fibre powered Si2 features a wingspan (72 meters) and weighs over two tons. A whopping 17,000 solar cells covering its wings, supply energy to four electric motors. While still more than half of the world seems besotted with ultra-advanced aircrafts encompassing Airbus and Boeing, this unconventional go green concept powered unconventional plane manage to generate a buzz owing to all optimistic reasons. The day does not seem too far when the world will gradually begin embracing the vision of two men who share a penchant for raising awareness related to renewable energy. 

 “We want to demonstrate that the technology we have available can allow us to keep the same quality of life by spending much less energy,” beaming with unmissable optimism, Borschberg stated at a briefing at the Paris Air Show. “If we can do it in an airplane, we can certainly do it on the ground. The goal is to motivate people to change their decisions.” Finally, a great attempt to harness the energy of the sun. 

“If it’s in people’s interest to invest in renewables and invest in clean technologies, I’m convinced it will happen”- Sally Jewell

Share in the comments what are your views on the future of Solar energy and solar-powered aircraft?