SolarStratos Flight Achievement
Self-described eco-explorer Raphael Domjan, aged 53, successfully navigated the SolarStratos electric aircraft to an altitude of 8,224 meters during a flight approximately four and a half hours long. Upon returning to Sion airport in southwestern Switzerland, his team reported this achievement.
The existing record for solar-powered aircraft altitude is 9,235 meters, established in 2010 by the Solar Impulse plane piloted by Swiss aviator Andre Borschberg.
Goals and Previous Flights
Domjan's ambition is to reach or surpass 10,000 meters, matching the cruising altitude of commercial airliners. A preliminary flight on July 31 reached 6,589 meters—the highest altitude achieved by SolarStratos to date. An attempt on the previous Friday was halted prematurely when thermal updrafts, essential for gaining altitude, failed to develop, prompting Domjan to return and conserve battery power.
Aircraft Details and Future Plans
The recent attempt marked a new altitude record for the two-seater SolarStratos, which is equipped with advanced solar panels covering its expansive 24.8-meter wingspan. The aircraft is designed fo...