Renewable energies
Into the stratosphere with the solar airplane
The SolarStratos mission aims to fly a solar airplane into the stratosphere. Weighing 450 kilograms, it will be the first solar-powered aircraft capable of reaching this altitude. The solar systems required for this were developed by the CSEM research team.
In addition to a length of 8.5 m and a wingspan of 24.8 m, the aircraft has a surface area of 22m2 covered with solar cells. The photovoltaic modules responsible for the energy supply were developed by the research team at the CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique) with the special conditions of the stratosphere in mind. With a weight of 707 grams per square meter, the modules are very light. They are also temperature-resistant to withstand temperatures of around -70 °C.
The project, initiated by Raphaël Domjan in 2014, is currently in the development phase. The first test flights will take place from February. The first flights at medium altitude are planned for summer 2017. The first stratospheric flights are to follow from 2018.
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