ESA    Life in Space    Expanding Frontiers    Improving Daily Life    Protecting the Environment    Benefits for Europe  
   
Services
Subscribe
 
 
 
Bookmark and Share
 
 
 
 
Ultra-light technology
 
6 July 2005

Back to article
Solar Impulse
Solar Impulse will have an ultra-light structure and a wingspan of 80 metres, nearly the same size as the new Airbus 380

Credits: Copyright SOLAR IMPULSE / EPFL - Artist Claudio Leonardi
 
 
Back to article
Solar Impulse
To optimise exposure to the sun Solar Impulse’s wingspan will be 80 metres, but the whole plane weighs about two tonnes. The total upper surface of the wings will be integrated with solar cells – in total 250 m2.

Credits: Copyright SOLAR IMPULSE / EPFL - Artist Claudio Leonardi
 
 
Solar Impulse Sun-powered aircraft to support sustainable developmentWide as an Airbus light as a carAdvanced life support systems for pilot
More information
Solar ImpulseScientific advisor EPFL
Related articles
Space technologies aid solar-powered global flight bidEuropean solar cell efficiency reaches new high
Related links
Technology Transfer - Down to EarthESA Technology Transfer - Spin-off SuccessesBertrand PiccardBrian Jones' Orbiter Balloon
 
 
 
   Copyright 2000 - 2011 © European Space Agency. All rights reserved.