Solar Impulse, a plane powered solely by the sun, has recently begun the toughest portion of its circumnavigation of the world: crossing the Pacific Ocean. The solar plane took off today from the Lukou International Airport in Nanjing, China, and is set to land nearly 5,000 miles away in Hawaii.
The plane’s two pilots, Andre Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, have been alternating at manning the controls to the solar plane. It is now Borschberg’s turn to pilot, and he expressed unbridled enthusiasm at his chance to enter the history books.
Solar plane’s toughest flight delayed a few times due to poor weather.
The historic flight had been delayed numerous times due to bad weather conditions over the Pacific. When it was finally time to launch, the morning of May 31st in China or the afternoon of May 30th in the Eastern Time Zone, Borschberg tweeted about his eagerness to launch.
Pacific flight will take over 130 non-stop hours.
The solar plane’s journey over the Pacific will last over 130 hours. Both pilots have trained in meditation and self-hypnosis to make them able to concentrate over long periods of time, and yoga to help them relax and exercise. If Borschberg is lucky and there is no turbulence, he may be able to put the plane on autopilot and take short 20-minute naps at night.
Solar plane has a few comforts on board, as well as safety features.
Solar Impulse has a special seat that fully reclines, which lets the pilots exercise and relax. This seat also doubles as a toilet. Although that may sound sort of gross, it’s probably due to the need to economize space onboard. The solar plane will have plenty of food, water, and sports drinks–a week’s supply, in fact, just in case negative weather patterns cause the plane delays. In case something goes terribly wrong, there is a parachute and life raft for evacuation, as well as oxygen bottles in case the cabin becomes depressurized. The two-man crew openly states that something could go wrong, so they definitely aren’t taking any chances. If all goes well, though, Solar Impulse will then go on to cross the USA and the Atlantic Ocean, with Piccard operating the craft.
