As storm clouds gather over the United States, one striking graph has caught Raphaël Domjan’s attention. The data underscores the critical role of solar energy in the fight to save our climate —whether or not Donald Trump cares to acknowledge it. Yes, “Sun is fun, Mr President!” SolarStratos has already been busy in the first few months of this year highlighting its potential – notably on ARTE on February 6. This newsletter announces another high-flying event — also cause for celebration: you are reading the 100th edition of our newsletter!
The sun is Mr Clean
The graph illustrating the rapid rise of solar energy — outpacing coal, gas, and oil — confirms that it is THE resource of the future and our best hope for saving the climate. Raphaël Domjan summarised this powerfully: “It is the cheapest, safest, least polluting, and least resource-intensive energy source. It also bridges the gap between the Global North and South, enabling developing countries to limit their reliance on polluting energy sources. Above all, it is the most inclusive energy — everyone can produce their own. The sun shines for everyone.” Yes, even Mr Trump can get sunburnt.
28 Minutes, down to the wire!
Precision timing saw Raphaël Domjan make it to ARTE’s studio just in time on February 6. A delayed TGV meant a last-minute motorbike taxi dash to reach the set of 28 Minutes, where the discussion centred on the 100% eco-friendly aircraft. Joined by engineer Laurent Castaignède and aerospace journalist Caroline Bruneau, Raphaël Domjan engaged with host Élisabeth Quin, delivering a crucial message: “We must face the challenges ahead with optimism! We need to offer young people a vision for the future — without it, we risk dragging our civilisation into despair, stagnation, and the status quo. It’s not just aeroplanes that need to go green; our world and our skies must too!”
Photovoltaic cells checked by the CSEM
As previously mentioned, HB-SXA underwent a comprehensive inspection this winter at ElektraSolar in Germany. Meanwhile, on 5 February, the solar cells on our aircraft were also checked by CSEM, a Swiss centre of excellence partnering the mission: visual inspection, performance measurement, thermography, bonding: everything is ok. With maintenance now successfully completed, our experimental solar-electric aircraft is set to return to its home base in Payerne in the coming days. It will be reassembled in March before taking to the skies for its first post-maintenance flights equipped with new enhancements, including two additional half-batteries. On the horizon this summer in Valais: a new 10,000m world record attempt.
100th newsletter!
Yes, you read that right—this is the 100th edition of the SolarStratos newsletter!
The very first issue was sent out on December 24, 2014, just in time for Christmas. It chronicled the first steps of our adventure, that already included the CSEM. Since then, over the course of these 100 newsletters and twenty news items, we’ve come a long way — including a year-long pause due to the Covid pandemic. Now, ten years and 100 flights later, we stand on the brink of a historic achievement: the world altitude record. With our variable-pitch propeller poised for action, the entire team is ready to make it happen for you this summer! Are you ready for take-off?
