Solar-Powered Plane Attempts Historic Intercontinental Flight - as part of the news series by GeoBeats.
The first intercontinental solar powered flight has been completed. Roughly the stature of a jumbo jet, but weighing as much as a car, the plane called 'the Solar Impulse' traveled from Spain to Morocco. Outfitted with 4 electrical motors powered by nothing but the sun via 12 thousand electric solar cells, it can fly during the day as well as night. The project leaders note that the plane combines the leading-edge technologies in materials science, energy management, and the man-machine interface.
The Solar Impulse is an innovative aircraft that has already set precedents in its first few flights, becoming the first manned 26 hour solar-powered flight. But these preliminary voyages are deemed to be practice and preparation for an around the world flight scheduled for 2014. Their goal is more than just breaking world records: “Solar Impulse's ambition is for the world of exploration and innovation to contribute to the cause of renewable energies, to demonstrate the importance of clean technologies for sustainable development...”
We continue to push the envelope in aviation which propels the human race forward not only for life on Planet Earth but also the space beyond.
