Solar Impulse co-founder Borschberg congratulates test pilot Scherdel after Scherdel took the Solar Impulse 2 on its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
Solar Impulse co-founder Andre Borschberg (L) congratulates German test pilot Markus Scherdel (R) next to co-founder Bertrand Piccard after Scherdel took the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft on its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
Spectators look at the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft during its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
Spectators look at the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft during its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
Solar Impulse co-founder Piccard congratulates test pilot Scherdel after steering the Solar Impulse 2 on its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
Solar Impulse co-founder Bertrand Piccard (L) congratulates German test pilot Markus Scherdel (R) after steering the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft on its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
German test pilot Markus Scherdel steers the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft for its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled April 9, weighs 2.4 tons with a wingspan of 72 meters (236 ft.) and more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015, according to the project. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
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German test pilot Markus Scherdel takes off in the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft on its maiden flight at its base in Payerne
German test pilot Markus Scherdel takes off in the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft on its maiden flight at its base in Payerne June 2, 2014. The aircraft, which was unveiled on April 9, has a wingspan of 72 metres (236 ft), and weighs 2.4 tons, bearing in total more than 17,000 solar cells. The attempt to fly around the world in stages using only solar energy will be made in 2015. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)