Sunrise & Solar Impulse Team in the Abu Dhabi Desert (Video)


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“What better way to demonstrate the importance of the pioneering, innovative spirit than by achieving ‘impossible’ things with renewable energy and highlighting new solutions for environmental problems?” asks the Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) team.

The Si2 team isn’t just preparing for the world’s first flight around the entire globe using only the power of the sun. It is also checking out the sunrise on the Abu Dhabi desert and exploring one of the largest concentrated solar power plants in the world, which can provide electricity for up to 20,000 homes.

Solar Impulse #Insiders in Abu Dhabi, Bruno and Marie, visit one of the World’s Biggest Concentrated Power Solar Plants in operation, owned by a subsidiary of Masdar. #ADSW2015

What does it take for the pilots of Si2 to persevere and remain vigilant during the long flights in the unheated and unpressurized cockpit?

solar impulse test flight 6

Focus & Vigilance Techniques

Self-hypnosis and meditation techniques allow the pilots to maintain their powers of concentration and vigilance, according to Solar Impulse.

Diet & Medicine

Science-based personalized nutrition has been developed by Nestlé Health Science to meet the need of 2.4 kilograms (5.2 pounds) of food, 2.5 litres (84.5 ounces) of water, and 1 litre (33.8 ounces) of sports drink per day during the long legs of the #RTW solar flight. Physicians and specialists of high-altitude medicine provide medical advice prior and during flights.

Real-Time Flight Monitoring

In contact with the Mission Control Center (MCC) in Payerne, the pilots receives support and flight indications.

Continuous transmission of hundreds of technical parameters via satellite data-link to the MCC. All possible eventualities are simulated by a multidisciplinary team to find the right combination of weather patterns, and pave the way for the solar airplane to enter controlled airspace and prepare for landings at international airports.

Photo: 18th Test Flight of Solar Impulse by Anna Pizzolante, Rezo.ch, via Solar Impulse


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Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.

Amber Archangel has 195 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Archangel