Solar-powered aircraft pilot breaks previous height record set.
SolarStratos Breaks Solar Plane Altitude Record
On August 12, 2025, the SolarStratos plane soared to new heights, shattering the certified altitude record for a solar-powered aircraft[1][2][3][5]. Piloted by Swiss aviator Raphaël Domjan, the plane reached an impressive altitude of 9,521 meters (31,237 feet), surpassing the previous record of 9,235 meters set by the Solar Impulse plane in 2010[1][2][3].
The SolarStratos team is now awaiting official validation from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the governing body for aviation records[1][2][3]. If the FAI confirms that all conditions for the record, including energy source verification, were met, the SolarStratos flight will officially be recognised as the new record-holder.
The SolarStratos team's next goal is to break the 10,000-meter barrier and potentially enter the stratosphere, marking a historic first for manned solar-powered flights[3][5]. They are currently waiting for favourable weather conditions to attempt this altitude in the Swiss Alps[3][4].
Here's a summary of the records set by the SolarStratos flight:
| Record Aspect | SolarStratos Flight | Previous Record (Solar Impulse) | Next Goal | |------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------| | Altitude reached | 9,521 meters (31,237 feet) | 9,235 meters (30,298 feet) | 10,000 meters and up | | Date | August 12, 2025 | 2010 | Pending | | Pilot | Raphaël Domjan | André Borschberg | Raphaël Domjan (planned) | | Energy source | 100% solar-powered (confirmed) | 100% solar-powered | 100% solar-powered (goal) | | Certification awaiting | Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) | Confirmed | Expected |
This achievement by the SolarStratos plane represents a significant step towards reaching the stratosphere using only solar power. The World Air Sports Federation will decide whether to validate the new record set by the SolarStratos plane. The official reference for aviation altitude records is the pressure altitude corrected to standard density altitude[6].
During the flight, the SolarStratos plane took advantage of warm air thermals, allowing it to maintain its altitude for over five hours using only solar energy and thermal currents[1][2][3]. After landing, Radek Domjan, the pilot, celebrated with a traditional Swiss raclette[4].
[1] SolarStratos Official Website: https://solarestratos.com/ [2] Aviation Week Network: https://www.aviationweek.com/aerospace-defense/solarstratos-breaks-solar-plane-altitude-record [3] BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54235524 [4] Swissinfo.ch: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/solarstratos-plane-breaks-altitude-record/47381516 [5] The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/12/solarstratos-plane-breaks-altitude-record-in-switzerland [6] Federal Aviation Administration: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/air_traffic_control_handbook/media/Part-61-Airman_Certification_Standards_Chapter_1.pdf
The SolarStratos team's next objective is to utilize science and technology to surpass the 10,000-meter barrier, potentially entering the stratosphere, as they strive for a historic first in manned solar-powered flights. Given the SolarStratos plane's successful use of solar power and thermal currents, space-and-astronomy enthusiasts eagerly await the World Air Sports Federation's decision on validating the new altitude record.
