Solar flights over the Matterhorn
The SolarStratos mission has been based in the Alpark hangar in Sion, Switzerland, since the 18 July and has been flying test flight after test flight in preparation for the imminent world record attempt. Every new flight has served to confirm and optimise the parameters, and to top it all off: we have a breathtaking selection of images of Alpine scenery. “It’s fantastic to be flying on solar power alone over the Alps,” said Raphaël Domjan. And returning to the landing strip while continuing to charge the batteries breathes new life into the mission’s message of harnessing the formidable potential of solar energy for a low-carbon, more sustainable world where we can continue to dream and to fly. High up. Hang on tight!
A stunning transfer flight
It had to be postponed twice, but on the 18 July, on our third attempt, we got lucky and HB-SXA piloted by Raphaël Domjan took off from Payerne, destination Sion via the Col de Sanetsch. The plane was welcomed to the Valais airport by a group of media who captured the beautiful landing live. To watch it again, please click here. Raphaël Domjan was also a guest on Channel 9.
The Matterhorn and Mont Fort really suit her!
On the 19 July, the day after arriving in Sion, HB-SXA took a trip to the Matterhorn. The resulting images of SolarStratos flying past this extraordinary landmark are powerful and highly symbolic. On the 26 July, Raphaël Domjan set course for Verbier, Mont Fort and Pierre Avoi to ride the thermals. He flew for an hour and forty minutes up to an altitude of 3,970m, and once again we were rewarded with some exhilarating images of the solar-powered flight!
The record attempt has caught media attention
Preparations for the altitude record attempt have caught the attention also of the German-language media in Switzerland with reports in the Aargauer Zeitung, the Bieler Zeitung and the Sankt-Galler Tagblatt. 20 Minuten in particular have reported on the challenges and the risks involved in the imminent record attempt. Please click here to watch the SwissInfo video. Agence France Presse (AFP) was also present in Sion, and the report was picked up by La Presse.
Such suspense!
To test the aircraft in the thermals, you must first find them. SolarStratos has enlisted the help of forecasting engineer and experienced glider pilot, Aude Untersee and the assistance of a reconnaissance motor glider to find the updrafts that form in summertime. The best way to maximise on them in terms of altitude, range, and engine power required, was refined and the team carried out a new flight around the Matterhorn passing from one thermal to another on the 30 July.
The team is continuing to work on preparing the aircraft and obtaining all the safety guarantees required for this very high-altitude flight.
So much suspense!
