The Solar Impulse, the all solar aircraft, flying across the U.S.

Solar Impulse over San Francisco

Whether you have been tracking this or not, this is pretty cool. The Solar Impulse is a no fuel solar powered aircraft with a single pilot. Yesterday, it began its latest voyage in San Francisco to fly across the United States.

Officially known as HB-SIA, the single-passenger Solar Impulse aircraft incorporates 11,628 solar cells on the top of its wing and horizontal stabilizer. These power its four 10-hp electric motors, and also charge its 400 kilograms (882 lb) of lithium batteries – allowing it to fly at night.

Read more about the Solar Impulse project and track its flight across the U.S..