Raphael Domjan’s SolarStratos set a new world altitude record for solar-powered aircraft, 9,521 meters, or 31,237 feet, on August 12, 2025.
That CBS News and other press outlets saw fit to cover the event is a significant change in coverage from just having the normal technical details explained in the aviation press.
The network explained, “The SolarStratos plane made the landmark flight from Sion airport in southwest Switzerland on Tuesday, taking advantage of warm air thermals to go beyond the record that has stood for 15 years. (That record was held by Andre’ Borschberg in the Solar Impulse.)
“The certified altitude record for a solar plane stands at 9,235 meters, or 30,298 feet.
“The achievement is ‘one of those unforgettable peaks that define great human and technological adventures,’ the SolarStratos mission said in a statement.”
CBS noted the moment when Solarstratos crossed paths with a commercial airliner, “a powerful symbol of what the decarbonized aviation of tomorrow might look like.”
Making a Lightweight Motorglider
SolarStratos is a design by Calin Cologan, a master at solar power and lightweight design. The 24.8-meter (81.4 feet) wing carries 22 sqiare meters (236.8 square feet) of solar cells and a maximum takeoff weight of only 450 kilograms (992 pounds). The “unspecified electric motor is probably the Eck-Geiger HP-32D. a dual motor running through a common output shaft and weighing only 12 kilograms (26.45 pounds).
SolarStratos with Raphael Domjan at the controls. courtesySolarStratos
For comparison, the empty weight of a Cessna 150 with only a 33-foot span is around 1.122 pounds or 509 kilograms. The Perlan 2 sailplane, designed for strong mountain wave flying, weighs 1,265 pounds (574 kilograms) empty and 1,800 pounds (816 kilograms) loaded. It has an 84-foot wing (25.55 meters).
One fascinating aspect of the airplane is its use of commercial solar cells instead of aerospace units. This keeps costs down and surprises with 22- t0 24-percent eficiency. That these are thin enough and light enough to be used in aerial applications is of great benefit.
The Perlan is pressurized while the SolarStratos is not. Pilots will need to wear a special pressure suit, shown in the final video below.
- Crew: 2
- Length: 8.5 m (27 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 24.8 m (81 ft 4 in)
- Powerplant: 1 × unspecified electric motor, 32 kW (43 hp) at 2200 rpm, with 90% efficiency
- Solar cells: 22 m2 (240 sq ft)
- Cells efficiency: 22-24%
- Battery: Lithium-ion -20 kWh (72 MJ)
- Propellers: 3-bladed variable-pitch propeller, 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) diamete
Gologan deserves credit for building such a lightweight and efficient airframe. Domjan deserves credit for pushing its limits. This final video is worth the time, giving insight into the inspiration and persperation required to set world records.
A Lengthy Video, But Worth 50 Minutes
We wish Raphael Domjan and his elite team continued success as they reach for the stratosphere.