Solar pilot edges nearer to setting new record for highest altitude on solar airplane flight
Raphaël Domjan's SolarStratos aircraft has soared to new heights, setting a world record for the highest altitude achieved by a manned solar-powered plane. On August 12, 2025, the SolarStratos reached an astounding 9,521 meters (31,237 feet) during a flight near the Swiss Alps, surpassing the previous record held by Solar Impulse.
The historic flight lasted over five hours and was powered entirely by solar energy supplemented by thermal updrafts. After taking off from Sion Airport, the SolarStratos reached new heights before the team turned back to preserve the charge in the batteries for a future attempt, scheduled for Sunday when conditions looked more promising.
The SolarStratos team aimed to break the 10,000-meter barrier, but as of August 2025, the highest confirmed solar-powered manned flight remains at 9,521 meters. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) is currently reviewing the flight data for official record confirmation.
Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg flew the Solar Impulse that set the previous record of 9,235 meters back in 2010. Domjan, who is also a pioneer and adventurer, expressed that trying something that may not be certain to succeed is part of the journey. His aim is to fly at the same altitude as airliners, and he plans to continue attempting to reach 10,000 meters or beyond in the SolarStratos.
The SolarStratos is equipped with high-spec solar panels covering its 24.8-meter wingspan. After an earlier warm-up flight on July 31 reached 6,589 meters, the team made technical upgrades, including increased battery capacity and a variable-pitch propeller, to improve its high-altitude performance before the record attempt.
An attempt on Friday was cut short due to a lack of necessary warm air thermals, but the second attempt of the season set a new high altitude best for the SolarStratos. After landing, Domjan's team reported the flight to reporters, and the plane will be left out in the sun to get the batteries back up to 100 percent for the next attempt.
This achievement highlights the advancing potential of solar aviation and represents the highest altitude attained by a manned solar-powered aircraft to date. The SolarStratos's record-breaking flight is a testament to the power of solar energy and electricity and a step forward in the future of sustainable aviation.
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