Podcasts are in full bloom this spring!
A podcast can tackle weighty issues and major challenges — AND retain a sense of humour. Beacause joy matters. Because conversation brings us together. While HB-SXA has been undergoing a full winter maintenance programme — now successfully completed in Germany — Raphaël Domjan had the honour this month of being the second guest on the #GettingSerious podcast hosted by Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) and Woody Wade.
The episode aired on March 10 and was shared across SolarStratos social channels. And because podcasts seem to be setting the tone for early 2025, you can also catch the SolarStratos team and Raphaël on the podcast Inspirez – from Thursday 27 March – where they share their vision and aspirations for a greener, more sustainable sky — and planet. Listen now at www.inspirez.co.
“Another cup of iced tea, Woody?”
The #GettingSerious podcast took a deep dive into the bold and optimistic mission behind SolarStratos and the PlanetSolar Foundation. The conversation centred on the upcoming record-breaking flight planned for this summer – aiming to reach 10,000 metres above the Alps in a solar-powered aircraft — a key milestone towards the ultimate goal of reaching the stratosphere, powered entirely by the sun.
A delightfully British moment added levity to the discussion when host Woody Wade asked Raphaël about the drink he had in front of him during the interview. It turns out that our eco-adventurer’s fuel of choice is… Migros iced tea! Raphaël even joked that it might just become a global sensation! Full episode: https://ggba.swiss/en/category/getting-serious/. ‘Cup of tea’ moment here.
Coming up: A meeting of minds with Sylvain Tesson
Following his live appearance on ARTE on February 6, Raphaël Domjan is preparing for another high-profile encounter. On April 8, he will join acclaimed author and adventurer Sylvain Tesson for a special edition of the Avant-Garde Foundation’s breakfast talks. The theme is Modern explorers: when innovation charts a course to a sustainable world. This exchange promises to be rich in ideas and inspiration, as two explorers — one of words the other of the skies — reflect on how we can rethink our relationship with the planet. Tesson’s latest book, Les Piliers de la mer, is both a tribute to Earth’s last untouched landscapes and a powerful call to action for the protection of our planet.
Bon voyage PlanetSolar II!
While SolarStratos sets its course for the stratosphere, the PlanetSolar Foundation continues to explore both oceans and lakes. The PlanetSolar II expedition on Lake Titicaca is now underway, and you can follow the progress of this scientific mission here: www.planetsolar.org.
As of late March 2025, as Raphaël Domjan was collecting customs documents at the Peruvian Embassy in Berne, PlanetSolar II has successfully passed through the Panama Canal — exactly 14 years after the MS PlanetSolar solar-powered catamaran crossed the same waters during its historic round-the-world voyage.
It’s a moment rich with memory, emotion and renewed purpose — as we look to the future and the next chapter of our solar-powered journey. A shared pursuit continues for a decarbonised, sustainable world where dreaming and flying remain possible.
Are you coming along? Thank you for following us — and for your continued support!
Join the mission
Want to join the adventure? Become part of the mission as a SolarFriend, SolarSupporter or SolarMember — or take the journey further as a SolarPilot, SolarNavigator or SolarVoyager! Our boarding gate is always open, and we look forward to welcoming you onboard!.
