Swiss solar-powered aircraft aims for height record flight
SolarStratos Plane Reaches New Height, Falls Short of 10,000-Meter Mark
Yves Domjan, the pilot of the SolarStratos plane, reached an altitude record of 9,521 meters (31,240 feet) during a flight from Sion airport in Switzerland on August 14, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in high-altitude solar flight, although it falls short of the 10,000-meter altitude Domjan was attempting to reach [1].
The SolarStratos plane, made of carbon fibre with a wingspan of 24.8 metres and accommodating 22 square metres of high-spec solar panels, took off from Sion airport at 1:21pm. During the flight, Domjan made several turns as he gradually climbed, providing a view of the lower terraced vineyards, deep green pine trees, and snowless Alpine peaks [2].
However, Domjan decided to turn back as he found no rising thermals during his flight. The wildfires in neighbouring France may have contributed to the unfavourable conditions for the SolarStratos flight. The plane taxied on the runway to the sound of a traditional Swiss alphorn, with Sion's Tourbillon Castle and Valere Basilica providing a striking backdrop during the takeoff [3].
The current altitude record for a solar plane is 9,235 metres, set in 2010 by the Solar Impulse experimental aeroplane. Domjan, who became the first person to sail around the world in a fully solar-powered boat in 2012, plans to try again for the 10,000-meter challenge on Sunday or Wednesday, when the conditions are more promising [4].
Domjan's mother was present to wave him off on his record attempt. Reflecting on his pioneering spirit, Domjan stated, "Being a pioneer means trying something one is not sure will succeed" [5].
References: [1] SolarStratos website, https://solarsstratos.com/ [2] Swissinfo, https://www.swissinfo.ch/ [3] Le Temps, https://www.letemps.ch/ [4] 20 Minuten, https://www.20min.ch/ [5] The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/
- The aerospace industry witnessed an exciting event as Yves Domjan, in his SolarStratos plane, attempted to break the 10,000-meter altitude record, showing the potential of renewable technology in adventure-travel and lifestyle.
- Despite falling short of his goal on August 14, 2025, Domjan's endeavor has significant implications for the finance sector, demonstrating the commercial viability of high-altitude solar flight.
- As Domjan prepares for another attempt to reach the 10,000-meter mark, the travel industry will be eagerly watching, anticipating potential advancements in sightseeing and exploration at unprecedented heights.
