Critics thought flying a solar-powered aircraft around the world was impossible, but Nova’s PBS documentary premiering January 31 chronicles the successful adventure from beginning to end. The Solar Impulse II began its around-the-world flight on March 9, 2015, following 13 years of work by aerospace engineers, meteorologists and flight controllers who designed, built and flew the airplane. The aircraft carried no fuel, only an array of solar panels used to charge the on-board lithium-ion polymer batteries using the rays of the sun.
Nova: The Impossible Flight
Key Takeaways:
- The Solar Impulse II, a solar-powered aircraft, successfully completed an unprecedented around-the-world flight, a feat critics deemed impossible.
- The project, spanning 13 years, relied on groundbreaking technologies including 17,000 ultrathin solar cells, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and lightweight carbon-fiber wings.
- Piloted by Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, the journey set a world record for the longest solo flight leg (five days non-stop between Japan and Hawaii) despite challenging conditions and a mid-flight battery issue.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
