by Allanah Leahy – EM TV Online
After taking off yesterday, the first solar-powered aircraft on a flight around the world has made its first stop in Oman in the Arabian Peninsula.
Solar Impulse 2 took off in the early hours of yesterday morning from Abu Dhabi for a trip around the world, estimated to last for around five months.
Monaco’s Prince Albert was present at mission control to congratulate the pilots. Swiss nationals Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg were commended on their successful landing and ‘magnificent’ first flight.
The expedition is grand, and the cause noble, as evidenced on the website, which reads:
“Solar Impulse wants to mobilise public enthusiasm in favour of technologies that will allow decreased dependence on fossil fuels, and induce positive emotions about renewable energies.”
Calling the world’s attention to the striking potential of solar power, Solar Impulse 2 will make stopovers in India, Myanmar and China before crossing the Pacific Ocean, the US and southern Europe to arrive back in Abu Dhabi.
