Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard better check the weather report before liftoff if he wants his latest quest to be a success. The explorer is constructing a solar-powered plane to fly around the world in an effort to support sustainable development and demonstrate what renewable energy can achieve.
“Solar Impulse [the plane] will promote the idea of a new aviation era using cleaner planes powered by the almost infinite energy of the Sun rather than the dirty, finite reserves of fossil fuels,” says Bertrand Piccard.
“Although in its present design the craft will never be able to carry many passengers we believe that Solar Impulse can spark awareness about the technologies that can make sustainable development possible.”
Piccard hopes to start his round-the-world journey in 2010, barring no setbacks. The single-pilot Solar Impulse will be flown by three pilots flying in shifts: Bertrand Piccard, President and initiator of the project; Brian Jones, responsible for the sustainable development program; and André Borschberg from Switzerland, the Solar Impulse Chief Executive Officer.
The round the world trip will take place in five stages, each of which will last three to five days. It will fly from west to east and between 10° and 30° north of the Equator to take advantage of the prevailing winds and sunlight.
Read more from ESA.
