SUNNYSIDEUP
Solar night flight delayed
It is not the lack of sun in the night time sky that has delayed the around the world attenpt in a solar powered plane
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Above: the solar aeroplane hoping to achieve around the world status
n attempt to fly around the world in a solar plane has suffered a technical set back disallowing an attempted 24 test flight. The Solar Impulse Mission decided to delay their ground breaking flight after a telemetry transmitter broke down. At this stage the Swiss based group is unsure when the programme will resume. The goal for the company is to push the boundaries of solar energy capabilities.
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Solar Impulse was started by Bertrand Piccard, a psychiatrist, aeronaut and third generation of the famous Piccard family, following in the footsteps of grandfather Auguste, father Jacques as explorer and inventor, and who made the first non-stop round-the-world balloon flight. He is Chairman of the venture and started the project with André Borschberg, an engineer and graduate in management science, fighter pilot and professional airplane and helicopter pilot, who is now the CEO. Solar Impulse’s ambition is to write the next pages in the history of aviation with solar energy, and fly around the world without fuel or pollution, contributing to the world of exploration and innovation in renewable energies.
The telemetry transmitter that has broken down enables the ground team to follow in real time the flight mission and to monitor thousands of crucial parameters. With a prototype such as Solar Impulse currently still in an experimental phase, this system is an essential component without which, the mission is not possible. Due to this inoperative piece of equipment produced specifically for the prototype, the project group
were unable to replace it and subsequently had to postpone this attempt. The entire team is working to find a solution, however cannot announce another date for the next trial.
‘The pilot and the aircraft’s security comes first!’ explained Claude Nicollier Head of Flight Testing of Solar Impulse. ‘ Without this communication system, the mission becomes too risky.’
The solar Impulse Project has attracted a great deal of attention and is followed via a blog that provides details of the project success.
‘Let’s not forget that this is an experimental project and these types of difficulties are inherent in this adventure.’ reminds André Borschberg, CEO and Co-founder of Solar Impulse. ‘Every piece of the plane is optimized and we are continuously seeking the limits of the technology. This regrettable decision will serve as an important experience.’
Piccard offers this sage piece
‘I succeeded the first nonstop around the world tour in an air balloon only after the third try! Patience and perseverance are essential values in this type of project” declares Bertrand Piccard, Chairman and Initiator of Solar Impulse.
A new attempt will be foreseen as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Solar Impulse blog will be regularly updated with information on next steps and developments.
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue IV 2010
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