Too much should not be read into the Solar Impulse flight’s unscheduled landing in Japan because when it comes to an adventure of this nature, the weather holds the advantage, despite the advancements in technology. In fact, there is ample proof that a lot has been achieved already.
A solar-powered plane attempting to circle the globe without a drop of fuel portends a great achievement in the world of science and aviation. When this experiment concludes it would have set the platform for unprecedented changes in the history of flying.
Historic firsts, however, are never easy. And so it is in the case of the Solar Impulse. Changes in weather patterns, and the night, bring about challenges for a solar-powered plane and taking detours in cloudy conditions entails extra energy consumption. The plane has enough power in the mornings, but it must have enough power left over to ascend to its prescribed daytime altitudes.
Already the maximum limits have been pushed in the quest to promote clean technology. Those behind it must be commended for their unwavering spirit and the ability to adapt in the face of obstructions, so that the future may present us with unlimited possibilities.
