Solar-powered Plane Embarks on Round-the-World Trip

A solar powered aircraft has embarked on a flight around the world.

The aircraft, known as Solar Impulse 2, took off in the early hours of this morning from Abu Dhabi for a trip around the world, which is estimated to last for around five months.

Swiss nationals Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are piloting the single-cabin, zero-fuel aircraft during the flight. The aircraft is decked out with 17,248 solar cells that power four electric motors. The solar cells are able to store energy from the sun during the day, enabling the Solar Impulse 2 to fly at night.

The journey ahead is daunting; as National Geographic points out, the longest period in which Solar Impulse 2 is airborne will be during its flight over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. During this period, Piccard and Borschberg will be beyond the reach of runways, islands or easy rescue.

Apart from this, the aircraft will make stops in Oman, India, Myanmar, China, the US, and Southern Europe or North Africa, before it is expected back in Abu Dhabi sometime in July.