The prototype aircraft, Solar Impulse, completed its maiden flight last week at an altitude of about 4,000 feet for 87 minutes.  The aircraft is powered by 12,000 solar cells.  According to the company’s website, the Solar Impulse project aims to have an airplane take off and fly autonomously, day and night, propelled uniquely by solar energy around the world without fuel or producing pollution.  Solar Impulse is based in Switzerland.

“This first mission was the most risky phase of the entire project.  Never has an airplane as large and light ever flown before.  The aim was to verify the prototype’s behavior in flight and to test its reaction to various maneuvers.” said Solar Impulse Chairman Betrand Piccard.  Piccard also stated, “We still have a long way to go until the night flights and an even longer way before flying around the world, but an essential step towards achieving our vision has been taken.”

“Our future depends on our ability to convert rapidly to the use of renewable energies.  Solar Impulse is intended to demonstrate what can be done already today by using these energies and applying new technologies that can save natural resources.” Said Betrand Piccard.