Bertrand Piccard at the controls of Solar Impulse during his recent record-breaking flight.
Bertrand Piccard at the controls of Solar Impulse during his recent record-breaking flight.
Solar Impulse
André Borschberg (right) and Bertrand Piccard piloted the first ever solar-powered plane around the world. The pair covered 43,041 kilometers and spent 23 days in the air. They made landings every few days, taking turns to fly the plane while also attending public events at governments, schools and universities.
André Borschberg (right) and Bertrand Piccard piloted the first ever solar-powered plane around the world. The pair covered 43,041 kilometers and spent 23 days in the air. They made landings every few days, taking turns to fly the plane while also attending public events at governments, schools and universities.
Solar Impulse
The plane soars above Abu Dhabi on a test flight. It began its circumnavigation on March 9th 2015 and completed the journey on 26th July 2016.
The plane soars above Abu Dhabi on a test flight. It began its circumnavigation on March 9th 2015 and completed the journey on 26th July 2016.
Solar Impulse
The plane takes off in Ahmedabad, India, on March 17th 2015 for its 3rd flight on the voyage. Solar Impulse hoped that, through its project, it could promote green energy. "If an airplane can fly day and night without fuel," said Piccard, "everybody could use these same technologies on the ground to halve our world's energy consumption, save natural resources and improve our quality of life."
The plane takes off in Ahmedabad, India, on March 17th 2015 for its 3rd flight on the voyage. Solar Impulse hoped that, through its project, it could promote green energy. "If an airplane can fly day and night without fuel," said Piccard, "everybody could use these same technologies on the ground to halve our world's energy consumption, save natural resources and improve our quality of life."
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The plane stationed in China, ready to fly from Mandalay to Chongqing. It has a vast wingspan measuring 72 meters to reduce drag and a large surface area to hold enough solar cells.
The plane stationed in China, ready to fly from Mandalay to Chongqing. It has a vast wingspan measuring 72 meters to reduce drag and a large surface area to hold enough solar cells.
Solar Impulse
Three weeks into its voyage, Solar Impulse 2 is pictured continuing its crossing over China.
Three weeks into its voyage, Solar Impulse 2 is pictured continuing its crossing over China.
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The plane takes off from Nagoya in Japan.
The plane takes off from Nagoya in Japan.
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The plane arrives from Japan in Hawaii. In his crossing of the Pacific, Borschberg flew for five consecutive days and nights -- the longest duration a solo airplane of any kind has flown.
The plane arrives from Japan in Hawaii. In his crossing of the Pacific, Borschberg flew for five consecutive days and nights -- the longest duration a solo airplane of any kind has flown.
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The plane completes the Pacific crossing, arriving in Mountain View, California, on April 23rd 2016.
The plane completes the Pacific crossing, arriving in Mountain View, California, on April 23rd 2016.
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A dramatic sunset is seen over the Mississippi river on the voyage across the United States from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Dayton, Ohio.
A dramatic sunset is seen over the Mississippi river on the voyage across the United States from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Dayton, Ohio.
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The plane crosses over the Statue of Liberty in New York, the final leg in the United States.
The plane crosses over the Statue of Liberty in New York, the final leg in the United States.
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Just a month away from completing the journey, the pilots celebrate landing in Seville, Spain, after a three-day crossing of the Atlantic. Solar Impulse 2 was the first solar-powered plane to cross the Atlantic Ocean, recording the greatest distance traveled (5,739km) and highest altitude reached (8,535m) by a solar plane in the process.
Just a month away from completing the journey, the pilots celebrate landing in Seville, Spain, after a three-day crossing of the Atlantic. Solar Impulse 2 was the first solar-powered plane to cross the Atlantic Ocean, recording the greatest distance traveled (5,739km) and highest altitude reached (8,535m) by a solar plane in the process.
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The two pilots took turns in the single-seater 3.8m3 cockpit. Between them, Piccard and Borschberg have broken eight world records and have 11 still pending.
The two pilots took turns in the single-seater 3.8m3 cockpit. Between them, Piccard and Borschberg have broken eight world records and have 11 still pending.
Solar Impulse
Just under two weeks away from completing the journey in Abu Dhabi, the plane is seen passing over the iconic pyramids in Egypt.
Just under two weeks away from completing the journey in Abu Dhabi, the plane is seen passing over the iconic pyramids in Egypt.
Solar Impulse 10
Piccard touches down the plane in Abu Dhabi, completing a journey of more than 500 flying hours in total.
Piccard touches down the plane in Abu Dhabi, completing a journey of more than 500 flying hours in total.
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The whole crew celebrate in Abu Dhabi after the landing.
The whole crew celebrate in Abu Dhabi after the landing.
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