The SolarStratos aircraft, piloted by Raphaël Domjan, has set a new altitude record of 9,521 meters (31,237 feet), surpassing the previous record by approximately 300 meters. This significant achievement took place during a five-hour and nine-minute flight originating from the Sion aerodrome in Switzerland. The aircraft utilized thermal updrafts to reach 5,000 meters, where its batteries were recharged before the final ascent to the record-breaking altitude. This feat is seen as a symbol of a future with emission-free air transport, with the SolarStratos flying alongside a commercial airliner serving as a preview of this possibility. Domjan, the project's driving force, dedicated the success to his team, stating, "It is the proof that dreams can become reality when there is passion, creativity, and the power of the sun." The World Air Sports Federation is currently validating the achievement.
The SolarStratos aircraft measures 9.6 meters in length with a wingspan of nearly 25 meters. Its 22-square-meter wings are covered in photovoltaic panels that power its electric motors, enabling an average flight speed of 80 kilometers per hour, with all energy derived exclusively from the sun. The project adheres to strict rules, including the requirement that all energy stored before takeoff must come from solar panels and that the aircraft must maintain at least 16% residual charge during ascent. This new record builds upon the legacy of solar aviation pioneers, with the previous record of 9,235 meters held by Solar Impulse, piloted by André Borschberg in 2010. Domjan's future ambitions include breaking the 10,000-meter barrier and ultimately achieving the first round-the-world solar flight. The success of SolarStratos highlights the potential for renewable energy to drive innovation and sustainability within the aviation sector, offering a pathway to reduce its environmental impact.