Swiss aviator Raphael Domjan has officially pushed the boundaries of solar aviation, flying the SolarStratos aircraft to 9,521 meters and surpassing a record that had stood for 15 years. His ultimate goal? To take a solar-powered plane into the stratosphere and prove that clean energy can conquer new frontiers in the sky.
Breaking a 15-year-old solar flight record
Domjan’s landmark flight took place on Tuesday from Sion Airport in southwestern Switzerland. Over five hours and nine minutes, he piloted SolarStratos, a slender, white, twin-seat aircraft covered in photovoltaic cells, into the thin air high above the Alps.
The previous certified record for a solar-powered electric plane was 9,235 meters (30,298 feet), achieved in 2010 by fellow Swiss pioneer André Borschberg in the Solar Impulse. By reaching 9,521 meters (31,232 feet), Domjan not only broke the record but also moved one step closer to his bigger ambition of crossing the 10,000-meter threshold.
How the record was achieved
The flight made strategic use of warm air thermals to conserve battery power and maximize lift. According to SolarStratos, the altitude measurement will be reviewed by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), which uses “pressure altitude corrected to standard density altitude” as the official benchmark for record validation.
Domjan acknowledged the years of preparation that went into the attempt:
“I share this moment of joy with all the people who have been preparing for this achievement for years,” he said, later celebrating with a traditional Swiss raclette.
Why 10,000 metres is the next big target
Reaching 10,000 meters, the cruising altitude of commercial airliners, would be a first for solar-powered aviation. Beyond that, Domjan and his team aim to penetrate the stratosphere, which begins at roughly 12,000 meters over Switzerland.
The mission isn’t just about records; it’s about showcasing solar power as a viable, high-performance energy source for aviation. As the SolarStratos team put it:
“This achievement marks a major milestone on the path toward reaching the stratosphere using only solar power and already fulfills the mission’s goal: to capture imaginations with emblematic, spectacular challenges that promote solar energy and the protection of our biosphere and planet.”
Why this matters for the future of aviation
Solar flight is still in its early stages, but milestones like this one could help shift public perception and industry interest. Key takeaways:
- Zero-emissions potential – Solar aircraft could eventually help cut the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
- Extended endurance – In the right conditions, solar planes can operate for hours without refuelling.
- Technology transfer – Advances in lightweight materials, battery systems, and aerodynamics can influence broader aerospace design.
What’s next for SolarStratos
If the FAI certifies Domjan’s new altitude mark, the team will prepare for an even higher climb. The stratospheric attempt will present new engineering challenges:
- Ensuring cabin pressurisation or pilot oxygen supply at extreme altitudes.
- Coping with near-space temperatures as low as -60°C.
- Maximising solar energy capture in thinner air.
Domjan’s mission also has an educational and advocacy component, aiming to inspire younger generations to think of solar energy not just as a ground-based solution, but as a tool for exploration and innovation.
