World’s largest solar-powered aircraft crashes after losing power

The Solar Impulse 2, originally built to promote clean energy, crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on May 4 during an autonomous test flight. The aircraft, now owned by Skydweller Aero, lost power while operating uncrewed over the Gulf, ending its operational life after years of modifications for military surveillance purposes. Designed by Bertrand Piccard in 2003, Solar Impulse 2 was the first solar-powered plane to circumnavigate the globe in 2016, completing the journey in 16.5 months with 17 stops. Its 232-foot wingspan and carbon-fiber frame weighed just 5,100 lbs, powered by 17,248 solar cells and four electric motors. The plane’s original mission focused on sustainability, but Skydweller Aero repurposed it for military applications, including radar and telecommunications systems. After being sold in 2019, Solar Impulse 2 underwent modifications for uncrewed flight, completing its first autonomous test in Spain in 2023. Skydweller planned to develop a fleet of solar-powered drones for continuous surveillance between Miami and Rio de Janeiro, offering a lower-cost alternative to satellites. The crash occurred during a test flight near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where the plane had previously conducted autonomous operations. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the incident, confirming no injuries or fatalities. The aircraft’s demise marks the end of an era for solar aviation, despite its groundbreaking achievements in renewable energy and long-duration flight. Skydweller’s ambitions for a solar-powered drone fleet now face uncertainty following the crash.