Swiss Pilot Surpasses Solar-Powered Plane Altitude Record of 31,234 MSL

13 Aug 2025 | Abstracted from AFP News

Swiss pilot Raphaël Domjan flew the solar-powered SolarStratos to 9,521 m (31,234 ft), breaking the manned electric flight altitude mark set in 2010 by Andre Borschberg in Solar Impulse (9,235 m). Taking advantage of warm air thermals, the 5hr 9min flight originating in Sion, Switzerland required oxygen at altitude and braved –50 °C to –70 °C temperatures. The flight record awaits official certification. Next goal: 10,000 meters.

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