The Solar Impulse has completed a little more than 20% of its trip from Nanjing, China, to Hawaii, the longest leg in its bid to fly around the world using only energy from the sun.
The plane is currently flying over the Sea of Japan, relying on the energy stored in its batteries to make the flight's evening portion. Pilot André Borschberg has been flying for 24 hours straight, with four more days to go before he lands in Hawaii.
[seealso slug=http://sale-online.click/2015/05/05/solar-impulse-pacific-crossing/%5D%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3E.%3Ca href="https://twitter.com/andreborschberg" data-ga-click="1" data-ga-label="$text" data-ga-item="text-link" data-ga-module="content_body" target="_blank" title="(opens in a new window)">@andreborschberg has reached 20% of the flight to Hawaii! Sharing the message of #futureisclean through the skies! pic.twitter.com/SibKC9OjdK— SOLAR IMPULSE (@solarimpulse) May 31, 2015
The mission is one part technological achievement, and one part endurance trial. Borschberg is scheduled to fly for five days straight with only short breaks for sleep. If he completes the trip, it will be the longest solo flight on record.
Borschberg is making the trip in difficult conditions. His cabin is only 3.8 cubic meters, and is not pressurized. To deal with the conditions, which include temperatures that vary from minus-40 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, Borschberg is flying in a suit that works to in concert with his seat. The two combined provide him with everything he needs on the trip, including oxygen, temperature control, nourishment, hydration and bathroom needs. The seat can even recline flat for sleep.
At the time of this writing, the Solar Impulse's batteries are at around 50%, and will charge up when the plane moves back into sunlight.
The Pacific Ocean portion of Borschberg's trip is the seventh of 12 flights, which will take the plane around the world. The effort began in March with a flight from Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, to Muscat, capital of Oman. After landing in Hawaii, the plane will the travel to Phoenix.