Friday, July 09, 2010

Successful Flight of Solar Powered Plane


In an effort to redefine the limits of renewable clean energy, a Swiss research group revealed their solar powered aircraft successfully completed an overnight flight Thursday thanks to its ability to store energy gathered during daylight hours.
The four-engine, glider-like Solar Impulse, whose wingspan greatly exceeds its fuselage length for maximum lift, took off from Switzerland's Payerne airbase early Wednesday and returned at dawn Thursday. Pilot Andre Borschberg flew the craft to an altitude of 8,654 meters while achieving a top ground speed of 68 knots.
"It was unbelievable; success better than we expected," Borschberg, a Swiss air force veteran announced. "We almost thought to make it longer, but we demonstrated what we wanted to demonstrate so they made me come back," he said.


Solar Impulse features 12,000 solar panel designed to capture solar energy. Its gangly, 63.4 meter wingspan and relatively light 3,500 lb airframe help it to soar with minimal power requirements.
Organizers said the project shows the potential of solar energy and other reusable sources of power. "This is a highly symbolic moment," said Bertrand Piccard, initiator and president of Solar Impulse, in a statement. "Flying by night using solely solar power is a stunning manifestation of the potential that clean technologies offer today to reduce the dependency of our society on fossil fuels. We are on the verge of perpetual flight" Piccard said.
The project plans to begin construction of a second solar-powered aircraft, which will be tasked with flying across the Atlantic using only the sun's energy. A group of commercial sponsors, including Belgian chemicals producer Solvay, watchmaker Omega, and Deutsche Bank have put up about $95 million to help fund the effort.
The Solar Impulse  is a prototype for an aircraft that its creators hope will carry out its first circumnavigation of the globe in  2012. However, one thing at a time.The next milestone will be crossing the Atlantic using a second prototype which goes into construction soon. We are one step closer to ridding ourselves of petroleum, slowing global warming and saving our planet. Congratulations for an amazing feat of engineering and technology.

82 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:20:00 PM

    Lets take a spin...I heard you picked your up today...mine will be delievered next week.[giggles]
    Jokes aside...this is wonderful news.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So, how are you and do you have panties on? The world wants to know.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous9:38:00 PM

    Hi cutie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous9:41:00 PM

    Got home from work and they was the first to go...wore a dress today and he would come by and see was i sitting correctly.
    We had a family meeting tonight and you could have knock me over with a feather.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What was the meeting about??

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous9:44:00 PM

    How you doing??? How's Brian , I know he's in a good mood.
    What is Nana doing???
    I got my money on Nana, because Nana can freeze your ass off with just a look...[giggles]

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think you have met Nana. How did you know she had evil eyes?
    What was the meeting about and don't hold out on me? Email me if you need to.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Brian is very tired. He had a very long day with the auditors.It is a nerve wracking experience. But all the car companies do it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous9:48:00 PM

    We have family meeting about different stuff to let my babies be a part of things.
    Jill told her daddy we was having a family meeting.
    She told him she was 6 years old and a little girl and she couldn't read a big head book.

    ReplyDelete
  10. HA! Jill has her dad's number. She won't let him get away with anything. Did she put you in your place too??

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous9:52:00 PM

    I know Brian is tired ...it is a tiresome job and most auditors think they know it all and want to go over the books over and over.

    I have the same eyes as Nana ...I think I'm kinda like her.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous9:56:00 PM

    No she didn't get me this time.Dad carried them up to Sis and Sis asked her why was she carrying the big book around and sitting on it, Jill told Sis her daddy was in trouble with her, he know she can't read that big head book, Sis told her Jill you mean eeg-head and she said no my mama says daddy is a big head .

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous9:59:00 PM

    Crystal is a pretty girl and I'm glad she got her teeth fixed but that has nothing to do with her talented. I hope she keeps a level head.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jill is not going tolet him forget The War and Peace incident.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous10:04:00 PM

    Give Brian a cup of tea with a little brandy it will make him feel more relaxed.
    Now you see why you lessons with Jakey is so important.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous10:08:00 PM

    They are plotting up on him,he laugh and said my little women is growing up .

    ReplyDelete
  17. They all get makeovers. When they get an agent that is the first thing the agent makes them do. The only objection I had to her appearance was her hair. It always looked dirty and messy.If you have to watch someone you want them to look clean.She is a multi-talented person. She doesn't have to change herself to be accepted but she should clean up a bit.Image is everything in the music business.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous10:09:00 PM

    Are you ready for the lake this weekend?? Boy , I know you are going to have fun and two of them in a row...you go girl.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous10:12:00 PM

    Crystal may be the next Dolly Parton...she looks to be a dishwater blonde I just hope she stay real to herself .

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous10:14:00 PM

    Where is Crystal from...she looks like she's from hill country ???

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous10:16:00 PM

    RadarOnline.com has the whole tape off Mel postedis worse than we heard.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I bought a truckload of food. I hope it is enough. I think I would rather stay home in the cool. It is going to be a scorcher this weekend. Canadians can get heat exhaustion very easily. We're not used to extreme heat.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous10:17:00 PM

    Mel talked about her fake boobs and he hated her, Mad Mel is a first-class ass-hole.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous10:20:00 PM

    I understand about the weather.We are not used to a lot of snow/ice.
    Hell, we don't know how to drive in snow.
    I hope you can find a cool spot...maybe it will be cooler on the water..
    Don't let Brian get to hot okay.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Chrystal is from Elliston Ohio. She just looks hill country.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think that kind of heat would not be good for his heart.They are advising people with very weak hearts to stay inside until the heat wave is over.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous10:27:00 PM

    Nan wants us to fly to Vegas and ride back with them...that would be next weekend I think.
    I asked Gil and he said it would be nice to get in a good poker tournament,he asked me if I wanted him to make reservations he know Dad /Sis would keep the kids and we do need to get away if only for a couple of days.

    ReplyDelete
  28. You would come up here and call us all whoosies and weenies because we can't take it. It's probably like a normal day in Shreveport.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous10:29:00 PM

    Don't take him there's alway another time...he's doing good and things are looking up and we don't want him to have a setback.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Go to vegas honey and have a ball. It sounds like such fun, especially to be there with Nan, your original 'Partner in Crime'.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous10:33:00 PM

    It is a normal day here...it's in the nineties and we have hit over a hundred last week.
    But we can't stand the cold/ snow either. It stay below freezing we don't come out if we don't have too.The ones that do if they fall down they can't get up.
    You saw how D.C. was at a stand still this past winter.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have got to find a way to get that tape on Starhooks. I'll contact Youtube; I always work with them.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous10:38:00 PM

    I will tell him and let you know, it will only be for a couple of days and we will be driving back with them.
    Nan was my Witchy-Voodoo back up, and boy did we have fun getting paid to tell fortunes.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I bet you two had fun.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous10:42:00 PM

    I haven't seen it yet. The picture of Mel is the one you put on my post, wild.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous10:44:00 PM

    Haven't heard from Lina in a couple of days, maybe she's working overtime...or better yet het admirer made himself known..
    Lina ...give you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Go and watch a couple of shows, dance a little, and laugh a lot.
    I'll hold down the fort and think of you.Have a drink for me.

    I have good luck on the horses. Say my name when you roll the dice. It could be lucky for you.That's what Nana does.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous10:49:00 PM

    I just sent you an e-mail.

    I commented on SH's and I think it's worked itself out.
    Lindsay is getting a new lawyer, one fresh out of law school.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous10:56:00 PM

    I will say your name , I love rolling the dice, I play Blackjack too and I do very well , they don't know I count the cards.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous10:59:00 PM

    Celine is having twins, I'm happy for her and hope she carry them to term.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous11:03:00 PM

    How's Jer, still thinking about what we was talking about???

    ReplyDelete
  42. She wanted kids desperately. I hope she can do it.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Excuse me, the dog wants out. He's a bit early tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous11:12:00 PM

    That's the way I'm thinking now and you can tell me if I'm right...

    Incoming mail.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Well that was interesting. We stepped outside in the dark and something very big went crashing through the trees.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Man or beast??? I don't know>

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous11:17:00 PM

    You be careful,it may have heen the deer...get you a flashlight.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous11:18:00 PM

    Did Maxy bark???

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am so happy about the solar powered plane. I have heard of them before but this was the most successful test.It could be the beginning of a new era. No more fossil fuels ;no more pollution or toxic waste.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Maxy barked like hell and ran after it.

    ReplyDelete
  51. He only ran about six feet though and ran back to me.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous11:28:00 PM

    Incoming
    I bet my little man is going to boss Dad and get his way.
    The girls know they better behave or I will get their musty butts.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I bet Gilly can be charming and smile his way into your heart to get his way.But if he doesn't get it I believe he could show some temper.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous11:38:00 PM

    Do you think if may have been a deer or human, Maxy always bark at things that don't belong there.
    I know you have a toy store there...they have little bats ,but one and when you go outside take it with you and a flashlight.
    It's not safe anywhere now,,
    Incoming

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous11:43:00 PM

    Oh yes Gilly do have a temper and he's a mean little rascal...Sis says he's just like me, shit I'm not mean ...
    Gilly throws a fit when you put him in the car seat and he don't want that, he gave his daddy a fit because now when you put him in the car he wants to be in the front and drive.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I think it was a deer but it startled the crap out of me.

    ReplyDelete
  57. There are no bears in those woods. The worst thing we've had back there is a few teens ,making out.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Anonymous11:54:00 PM

    incoming
    Sweetie...I beleive in the here and now and all other stuff is bull-shit...
    I told you I have learn a lot from you about life and it's the same thing I learned from sis...neither of you pull any punches, just straight out ...I like that.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Anonymous11:57:00 PM

    I remembered you said deers would come into your yard...maybe it was the deer that wanted some of your herbs for a late night snack.[giggles]

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous11:57:00 PM

    Are you still using the peppers??

    ReplyDelete
  61. We are going to start the peppers tomorrow. We are going to the farmers market and try again. We have to double the dose and I can't freeze them. They have to be very fresh.That will be almost impossible to find. Believe me I have tried every avenue up here.But I will keep trying. I want to keep my husband alive and able to function.
    They have now proved the peppers do work.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Anonymous12:06:00 AM

    Are you going to still go or just drop off some food???

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous12:17:00 AM

    There are places where you can but seeds, Sis is looking for the Michigan seed catalog book, but I know we will find some even if they are seeds and you have to grow them in your hidey-hole.
    I'm so glad to hear they works.
    Incoming

    ReplyDelete
  64. You mean to the lake?
    Brian promised we would be there.I will try to keep him out of the heat as much as possible. J&P's summer place is air-conditioned. If he goes on the boat I will keep him under the canopy.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I can't stop the guy once he has made a promise. it makes him happy to be with the family.

    ReplyDelete
  66. But I still would rather stay home.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous12:24:00 AM

    Do you think when they tested them if they could put you on tract, I know one of us will find something...I'm betting on the seeds and who finds them first tell the other and see if we both can grow them, I know mine would be fresher, if I get them we have Fed-EX and UPS. I know you have both.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Anonymous12:27:00 AM

    Well Jaye has A/C and he should be alright...I know he drinks plenty of liquids.
    He don't want people fussing over him and he still has a lot to do.
    I think I will go to Sis and look for the book myself.

    ReplyDelete
  69. You're right about lots of liquids.Do you guys drink a lot of water and juice in the summer??

    I will try to grow some if I find the seeds. I don't think I can produce the quantity he needs. I will talk to the pepper guy at the market. He orders them from Jamaica and they are pretty wilted when they get here.

    ReplyDelete
  70. If you ever grow some, I sure will get them up here by courier service.I will try to find out what they need to grow.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anonymous12:38:00 AM

    I know you rather stay home but go and keep him cool.
    Incoming

    ReplyDelete
  72. Anonymous12:41:00 AM

    Do you have Fed-Ex and UPS there..
    I use miracle grow potting soil and spray.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Anonymous12:44:00 AM

    Yes we drink a lot of liquids and I make tea by the gallon each day, I don't give my babies a lot of sodas...no cokes at all.
    They can have all the tea they want.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I loved the karate granny. I wish I had her energy.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Anonymous12:53:00 AM

    [GIGGLES] this will be pretty good for two part-time authors...'HUH'
    incoming.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Anonymous12:54:00 AM

    Sweetie , you would be surprise how many peppers you will get off a bush, between you and I we could supply the farmer man.

    ReplyDelete
  77. We have Fed-ex and UPS. So that won't be a problem.

    I believe anything will grow in Miracle Grow. I use the Same products as you..HA! I find that funny for some reason.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I've never grown hot peppers so I don't know a thing about them. So there are a lot on one plant???
    That is good news.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Anonymous12:57:00 AM

    Nana would chew her up and spit her out ...Mrs. Ena made me think of Nana and how tough she is.
    Mrs.Ena is british/English I think, I like what you said on it.

    ReplyDelete
  80. It's after two here honey .I better get some shut-eye. I have to get up early for the farmer's market.
    Let me give the new blog some thought.Wow! we will become a production company.
    I hope you have a great time in Vegas. Kick up your heels. You are in your prime. It's an exciting city.Even the sex will be better....HA!
    Pleasure as always...Luv ya...PIC

    ReplyDelete
  81. Anonymous1:09:00 AM

    They will grow just like flowers and Sis had's a jalapeno and cayenne peppers that she takes into the house in the winter and they are about 5/6 years old.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Anonymous1:13:00 AM

    You have incoming mail...
    You think them up and I will throw them in cyber space...Ha!!

    Goodnight sweetie and hope you have a great and joyful weekend I know you will enjoy the family.

    GOODNITE...SWEET DREAMS..HUGS & KISSES ...PIC
    Kiss the Rock...NITE

    ReplyDelete

Through this ever open gate
None come too early
None too late
Thanks for dropping in ... the PICs