Solar Impulse launched

On Friday the Solar Impulse was launched. The Impulse is the first aircraft designed to fly both day and night without using fossil fuel or releasing any emissions.

Developed by Bertrand Piccard, the son of the famous Swiss oceanographer and engineer Jacques Piccardand André Borschberg (PDF) Its mission is to demonstrate the feasibility of a complete day-night-day cycle propelled solely by solar energy.

Expected to make its first test flight between now and the end of 2009, first of all at Dübendorf airport and then from Payerne air base. A first complete night flight is programmed for 2010 and will take place over Switzerland.