Solar Impulse, the only solar-powered airplane, able to fly day and night without using even one bit of fuel, is making its way across the globe in the first round-the-world solar flight. This plane is a magnificent achievement and it’s on its way to its record-setting goal. It has actually already set two world records for manned solar-powered flight so far!
The plane completed its fifth leg recently, landing in Chongqing, China, almost three weeks since it started its journey. It wasn’t going to stay long before jumping into the next leg of its global trip, but weather concerns have made it necessary for the team to lay over until there are better conditions. It may be a few days. The next leg of the trip, to Nanjing, would set-up Solar Impulse for its first big ocean crossing to Hawaii.
To follow Solar Impulse on each of the 12 legs of its flight, visit the project’s website at http://www.solarimpulse.com/. The flying duties are being shared between Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg.
A Campaign for Clean Energy
The point of this global flight isn’t just to be the first to complete a round-the-world solar flight, but to promote renewable energy. Betrand Piccard, André Borschberg and their team aim “to demonstrate that the actual alternative energy sources and new technologies can achieve what some consider impossible.” This project is meant to get people interested and excited about new, clean, and renewable technologies. And we believe it’s working! We’re definitely excited.
The Journey to Renewable Energy
At Solar Optimum, we know the path to clean energy has many bumps, but we’re confident that the U.S. and the world are moving in the right direction. Everything we do can make an impact, no matter how big or how small, is important. The key is to be united in our demand for clean, renewable energy!
