SolarStratos demonstrates the potential of renewable energy at Expo 2017 Astana Future Energy to Doris Leuthard, President of the Confederation

Raphael Domjan, creator of the SolarStratos project, met the President of the Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard, this morning at the International Expo 2017 hosted by Astana in Kazakhstan focused on future energy. The eco-explorer was invited to present his stratospheric solar aircraft, showcasing ‘cleantech’ innovation and energy efficiency, to her.

Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation, visited the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2017 on the 11th of August, during National Day of Switzerland at Expo 2017 to learn more about and support the various Swiss projects on display. Unique and innovative, SolarStratos, Raphael Domjan’s stratospheric solar powered aircraft, holds pride of place through a photographic exhibition at the heart of the ‘House of Innovation’ and the ‘Monte Rosa House’, two of the four Houses that make up the Swiss Pavilion.

The eco-explorer was invited to present his project and vision to the head of the Federal Department for Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication.

Doris Leuthard has stated that "the Solarstratos project of Raphael Domjan is a great opportunity to show the swiss knowhow in terms of innovation and future oriented thinking. This project is an important symbolic step towards a sustainable development of the ressources of our planet."

Raphael Domjan was delighted with the exchange: “I am very happy to have met with Madame Leuthard and to have presented our vision to her. SolarStratos marks a technological turning point in terms of the use of renewable energies in the future. It is very encouraging to have the support from the highest authorities in Switzerland.”

Designed by ‘Presence Suisse’, the unit of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs responsible for Switzerland’s image abroad, the Swiss Pavilion aims at making visitors aware of the sustainable management of natural resources through an exhibition that presents the scope of Switzerland’s ability in the field of energy. “This is a tremendous opportunity to launch our collaboration with SolarStratos. This blend of adventure, innovation and sustainability is a strong representation of Switzerland. And Space always makes people dream!” said Nicolas Bideau, Head of ‘Presence Suisse’.

Expo 2017 Astana closes on 10 September.

About SolarStratos “To the edge of space”

SolarStratos is a SolarXplorers S.A. adventure. The mission, initiated by Swiss eco-explorer Raphael Domjan in 2014, aims to achieve the first solar-powered stratospheric flight at an altitude of more than 24,000 metres by 2019.

SolarStratos is a two-seater solar-powered aircraft manufactured and designed by Calin Gologan, CEO of Elektra Solar GmbH. The solar systems were developed by the CSEM in Neuchatel and a team of international specialists.

To achieve this unprecedented mission, aphael Domjan, supported by the Swiss Confederation and the German Space Agency (DLR), has teamed up with a group of specialists, namely: test pilot, Damian Hischer; astronaut, Michael Lopez-Alegria; entrepreneur, Thierry Plojoux and CEO of SolarStratos, Roland Loos, as well as other engineering, meteorology, IT and communication experts.