In case you never have heard of the fully electric, solar-powered plane called Solar Impulse 2, let me summarize what this post is about. Two pioneers Andre Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard have decided to build and fly all around the world a plane that does not use fuel to fly. It’s a plane powered by the sun (and batteries) that can fly indefinitely. To prove it the pair of pilots and the large team of Solar Impulse are flying the plane across the world. They have started in Abu Dhabi last year and have crossed the Pacific and landed in Mountain View from Hawaii.
This morning, the plane with Andre Borschberg took off the NASA Moffett Field Airport to fly to Phoenix, AZ. The plane took off at 5am but we were there since 2:30am (and to get there at 2:30am, we woke up at 1:30am). But it was worth it, this is an historic event, this plane and this endeavor is proving to world that we can build machines that don’t require fuel. Imagine that, a world where all the energy is renewal and clean.
You can follow this wonderful adventure live at solarimpulse.com
The top picture is the exact moment where Solar Impulse 2 (callsign HB-SI2) is taking off from Mountain View, CA.
The wingspan of this plane is larger than a 747.
The plane is covered in solar cells to provide the energy for the flight.
Solar Impulse 2 (SI2) is so light that a couple of persons can pull by hand.
I was not alone at this insane hour to watch this.
Teo Borschberg is saying farewell and safe flight to this dad.
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