Switzerland will release the plane, powered by solar energy

In Switzerland are developing a “solar” aircraft to fly in the stratosphere

Planes running on solar energy already crossed the Alps, and even made a trip around the world, and now go to the next level: a plane will fly in the stratosphere, on the border with outer space. SolarStratos solar is designed to fly at an altitude of 24,000 kilometres — where the stars are visible even during the day.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of renewable energy sources. The project started in 2014, but has only recently been completed, the hangar will be the base for SolarStratos. It is engaged in the development company PC-Aero, which has already released the aircraft Elektra One.

SolarStratos length is 8.5 meters, and its wingspan reaches up to 24.9 meters, while the plane weighs only 450 kilograms. The upper part of the plane area of 22 square meters covered with solar panels with a total capacity of 32 kW.

Electric motor and lithium-ion battery capacity of 20 kWh should let the plane stay in the air for more than 24 hours, although its first scheduled flight will be much shorter — only five hours and it is not yet in the stratosphere.

For pilots SolarStratos developed a special pressurized suit similar to those worn by the astronauts as pilots have to work at temperatures down to -70 °C and atmospheric pressure about 5 percent of the earth.

SolarStratos the official presentation scheduled for December 7, and test flights are scheduled to begin early next year.

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