Swiss innovators Bertrand Piccard and Bertrand Borschberg introduced the world to Solar Impulse 2, an extraordinary aircraft showcasing the immense potential of renewable energy. After achieving remarkable feats, this pioneering aircraft is now set to embark on a new chapter.
In a visionary move, Skydweller Aero, a US-Spanish startup, acquired Solar Impulse 2 in 2019 with the audacious goal of transforming it into the first commercially viable “pseudo-satellite.” This cutting-edge innovation combines the capabilities of traditional satellites with enhanced flexibility and reduced environmental impact.
Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller, explains that a pseudo-satellite is an aircraft capable of remaining airborne for extended periods, ranging from 30 to 90 days or even up to a year. It possesses the capabilities of a conventional satellite, enabling it to perform diverse tasks such as telecommunications, Earth imaging, disaster response, and natural resource monitoring.
After acquiring Solar Impulse 2, Skydweller dedicated months to modifications, culminating in its triumphant return to the skies in November 2020. The aircraft has since completed a series of 12 successful test flights in the sun-soaked region of southeastern Spain. Miller proudly asserts, “We are in the process of transforming it into a drone, enabling fully autonomous flights.”
While take-offs and landings currently require a pilot’s expertise, Miller reveals that their next objective is to implement automatic systems for these maneuvers. “Once accomplished, we can eliminate the need for a pilot. In fact, we are already commencing the construction of a second aircraft without a cockpit,” he adds. This pivotal step not only allows for larger payloads but also empowers the aircraft to remain airborne for weeks or even months at a time, surpassing Solar Impulse 2’s previous record of just under five days.
Anticipating a 2023 deployment, Miller believes there is a promising market for a fleet of thousands of these innovative aircraft. While companies like Facebook and Google have conducted tests with pseudo-satellites in the past, they have yet to develop a commercial product. Skydweller aims to revolutionize the industry by offering a truly game-changing solution.
With Solar Impulse 2’s transformation into a pseudo-satellite, the possibilities are limitless. This groundbreaking innovation represents a leap forward in airborne technology, redefining the boundaries of what an aircraft can accomplish. As we look to the future, the skies hold great promise for a new era of advanced and eco-friendly aerial systems.