Update: Solar Impulse has landed
Solar Impulse in Phoenix (photo by Osha Gray Davidson)
Earlier
At one minute after dawn this morning, Solar Impulse, the world’s most advanced solar-powered aircraft, took off from a Silicone Valley airport, under clear skies, beginning the first leg in what its backers hope will be a coast-to-coast history making flight. The extremely light Swiss-made aircraft has long wings covered with solar cells which enables it to stay aloft indefinitely — as long as it can charge its batteries in flight during the day.
For full live coverage, including mapping, airspeed, battery power, click here.
How cool is this?! Thanks for doing this, Osha- imagine a day where jet fuel is obsolete….
I can, Miranda, but I think it’ll be replaced by biofuels. Still, I marvel at Solar Impulse for so many reasons — including the aesthetics.