US EditionPioneer Spirit Drives Swiss Solar-Powered Plane Altitude Attempt
Domjan surpassed the previous solar plane altitude record of 9,235 meters set in 2010, marking a key step toward solar-powered stratospheric flight, his team said.
- Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan set a new altitude record of 9,521 meters in a solar-powered plane on August 12, 2025, flying from Sion airport, Switzerland.
- Domjan aimed to surpass the previous record of 9,235 meters set in 2010 by Solar Impulse, pursuing a goal to reach 10,000 meters, the stratosphere's start near Switzerland.
- The SolarStratos plane, equipped with 22 square meters of high-spec solar panels, climbed through the Rhone valley and Alpine peaks, but lacked rising warm thermals to aid ascent.
- Domjan characterized the endeavor as a bold and uncertain venture, explaining that being a pioneer involves attempting challenges without guaranteed success. His flight continued for a duration of five hours and nine minutes.
- The achievement marks a major milestone toward solar-powered stratospheric flight, fulfilling the mission's goal to inspire low-carbon aviation and environmental protection.
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A Swiss pilot has set a new altitude record for a solar aircraft: Raphaël Domjan rose to 9521 metres with his Solarstratos machine
·Vienna, Austria
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The solar-powered SolarStratos will soon be aiming for the stratosphere to prove that solar energy can be a widely used energy source in aviation.
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Total News Sources90
Leaning Left14Leaning Right12Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 30%
C 43%
R 26%
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