Pilot in Switzerland advances near historic altitude achievement for solar-powered aircraft
In a groundbreaking achievement, Swiss pilot Raphaël Domjan soared the SolarStratos electric plane to an altitude of 9,521 meters (31,237 feet) on August 12, 2025, setting a new world record for solar-powered manned flight. The flight surpassed the previous certified mark of 9,235 meters held since 2010 by Solar Impulse.
The SolarStratos plane, a two-seater with high-spec solar panels covering its 24.8-meter wingspan, took off from Sion Airport in Switzerland. The flight lasted over five hours, during which Domjan crossed paths with a commercial airliner, symbolizing the potential for future decarbonized aviation.
The current altitude record is pending official validation by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), which reviews altitude and energy source data to certify achievements under standard aerospace criteria.
Raphaël Domjan, a self-described eco-explorer aged 53, reiterated that being a pioneer and an adventurer involves trying something that is not certain to succeed. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating what can be achieved with solar energy and electricity.
Despite not reaching his target altitude of 10,000 meters, Domjan's flight marked a significant milestone towards his ultimate goal. He expressed his determination to continue trying until SolarStratos reaches 10,000 meters, or even beyond, aiming to touch the stars with nothing but the power of the sun.
On a previous attempt on July 31, SolarStratos reached an altitude of 6,589 meters, the highest-ever for the plane. The slow-charging batteries of the plane will be left out in the sun to get back up to 100 percent for the next attempt.
An earlier attempt on Friday was cut short due to a lack of necessary warm air thermals for boosting ascent. However, on Sunday, conditions were more promising, leading Domjan to turn back and preserve the charge in the batteries for the record-breaking flight.
The SolarStratos team is now awaiting official validation of this record by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI). With Domjan's unwavering spirit and the SolarStratos's solar-powered capabilities, future attempts to reach higher stratospheric altitudes powered solely by solar energy are certainly on the horizon.
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[2] SolarStratos sets new altitude record. (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/solarstratos-sets-new-altitude-record/46814518
[3] SolarStratos breaks altitude record. (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53824330
[4] SolarStratos soars to new heights. (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/12/world/solarstratos-altitude-record-scli-intl/index.html
[5] SolarStratos aims for the stars. (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/12/solarstratos-aims-for-the-stars-in-record-breaking-solar-powered-flight
- The SolarStratos plane, a testament to advanced technology, soared through the skies with high-spec solar panels on its wings, powering a sports records-breaking flight.
- Raphaël Domjan, a passionate sportsman and advocate for sustainable technology, emphasized the importance of demonstrating what can be achieved with solar energy and electricity, setting his sights on reaching even greater heights in the future.
