03.07.2015

The solar-powered airplane Solar Impulse is on its way around the world with the goal of generating attention to the potential in renewable energy sources and with a clear message that clean technologies can achieve impossible goals.

Solar Impulse initiated its journey on March 9 from Abu Dhabi, and despite several difficulties and forced landings, the airplane took off from Japan last Monday on its eight leg. Solar Impulse will later today land on Hawaii after having flown for five days, shattering the solo-flight record threshold of 76 hours.

The airplane gathers solar power during the day and stores the energy in lithium batteries for later usage and during the nighttime.

Solar Impulse has a wingspan of 72 meters which is covered by 17.248 very thin solar panels.

The ambitious project is carried out by Swiss explores Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, who take turn on piloting the aircraft on the 13 planned legs.

Follow the Solar Impulse and its journey across the world here: www.solarimpulse.com  

Source: Reuters