Solar-powered plane crosses the Pacific Ocean

A plane that is purely powered by solar energy has successfully crossed the Pacific Ocean by flying non-stop for five days. The pilot also broke the longest solo flight record.

According to foreign media including the New York Times on Friday, the solar-powered plane “Solar Impulse 2” took off Nagoya Airport in Japan on June 29 and safely landed at Kalaeloa Airport in the outskirts of Honolulu, Hawaii at 6 a.m. on Friday. The flight lasted for 117 hours and 51 minutes, and covered a distance of 5790 miles (8200 km). The plane also broke the previous longest flight record of 76 hours, which was set by American Steve Fossett in 2006.

The Solar Impulse 2 was piloted by Andre Borschberg, 62, CEO of Swiss solar airplane manufacturer Solar Impulse. Borschberg flew the plane in the tiny cockpit measuring about 3 sq. meters, virtually making no move. Since the plane lacked equipment that controls temperatures and atmospheric pressure, the pilot had to endure hot weather of up to 37 degrees Celsius. Nagoya-Hawaii is a challenging route over the Pacific Ocean, which does now allow emergency landing. It requires strong mental concentration. Borschberg said in a Twitter post, “I took nap for about 20 minutes a day and exercised yoga for up to 45 minutes. Yoga is very effective in controlling mind, and was great support.”

Solar Impulse started to develop the Solar Impulse 2 in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy innovation. The production of the plane itself cost more than 100 million us dollars. The plane’s propellers are powered by energy from 17,000 solar cells on the wings. At night, the plane used solar energy stored during daytime. Made of carbon fiber, the plane weighs 2.3 tons, similar to the weight of a minivan or light truck. It can fly up to 45 kilometers per hour.

More than 200 people including journalists were waiting for Borschberg at Kalaeloa airport around 6 a.m. on Friday. The Solar Impulse 2, with no engines, landed at the runway rather silently. Borschberg remained seated for about an hour after landing probably because he did not make moves for a long time in a narrow space. Dancers performed Hula dance and singers sang welcoming songs at the airport. A staffer from the Customs Service approached him and asked for his passport. Crowds who welcomed him waved the Swiss flag, and some sought to shake hands with Borschberg. The pilot said, “It is an epic moment in the history of aviation and renewable energy,” adding, “Now, no one will say that it is impossible to take on challenge with renewable energy.”

The Solar Impulse 2 started a project to circumnavigate the globe by departing from Al Batin Airport in Abu Dhabi on March 9. The plane was to complete circumnavigation of the globe by making 12 takeoffs and landings for five months. However, the plane failed to fly the Nanjing-Hawaii route as planned due to bad weather early last month, and instead stayed in Japan for about a month. The Solar Impulse 2, which landed in Hawaii, will head to New York via Phoenix, Arizona. Bertrand Piccard, who flies the plane by taking turns with Borschberg, will pilot the plane on this route.