HB-SXA to head to Sion to take up residence:
“This time, the real adventure begins”. Both Raphaël Domjan and Roland Loos, respectively pilot and CEO of the mission, have spoken the same words on two different occasions. As summer 2024 heats, the moment for HB-SXA to take up residence in Sion approaches. This will be a key moment in the SolarStratos mission.

From mid-July, the SolarStratos team will be based at the Valais airport to launch a new altitude record attempt for a manned solar-powered electric aircraft to fly at 10,000 metres or more, marking a new milestone on the journey to the stratosphere. Once the plane is on the tarmac in Sion, and the final tests have been carried out, particularly in thermal winds, the team will go on standby for the right weather window.

A postponement…
Despite seemingly favourable weather conditions on the ground, the flight from Payerne to Sion scheduled for the 17 and then the 18 June had to be postponed. The wind and turbulence over the Sanetsch Pass were too strong to risk it. Our thanks to the media who were waiting for us in Sion for their patience. Some of them, such as Rhône FM, didn’t miss an opportunity to interview Raphaël Domjan about the relocation and the upcoming record attempt.

Already very high – above his hometown!
One of Raphaël Domjan’s recent flights this month saw him soaring at almost 4,000 metres over his native Neuchâtel. He shared his excitement at realising a dream, which sees “innovation and technology working together to preserve our planet”. The SolarStratos pilot took the opportunity to thank all those who are making this adventure possible by sharing his pioneering and exploratory spirit. “Let’s keep aiming for the stars, fuelled by the inexhaustible energy of our dreams, the sun and our thirst for exploration”. Beautifully put. Source: ‚Solarstratos‚.