Zero-fuel airplane Solar Impulse has partnered with Google as its official internet technology partner that will provide the solar-powered airplane with web and social platforms to raise awareness for emissions-free travel, writes Elga Reyes on eco-business.com. “Solar Impulse SA and Google have signed a high-level partnership to propel clean energy aviation forward in 2015, when the Swiss-founded solar airplane makes a landmark pollution-free flight around the world. Earlier this year in June and July, Solar Impulse accomplished a historic journey of flying across the United States in both day and night without the use of fuel.”
“It was during this Across America mission, which started in San Francisco and stopping in different cities until reaching New York, that Solar Impulse first started to collaborate with Google. The internet firm generated public interest for the solar aircraft and the need for sustainable transport through the use of Google platforms, such as virtual chatroom Google Hangout, said the solar aviation firm. This livestream interaction featured film director James Cameron and Solar Impulse patron and Charles Lindbergh’s grandson, Erik Lindbergh, as guests, supplementing the company’s own online flight viewing and pilot interviews.”
“Primary founders and pilots André Borschberg and Betrand Piccard, with the rest of the Solar Impulse team, are planning to circumnavigate the world in two years time. Currently, they are developing new materials and construction methods for a second solar airplane that draws on lessons learned from their US and earlier experimental flights.”
The Spiral Turns 