Solar Airship One: Pioneering Fossil Fuel-Free Global Journey

Euro Airship, the company behind the Solar Airship One, is set to make aviation history by flying around the world without relying on fossil fuels in 2026. This electric airship, powered by a combination of solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells, will cover approximately 25,000 miles in about 20 days, marking a groundbreaking milestone in environmentally friendly travel.

The Solar Airship One will use solar panels on its upper surface for continuous daytime electrical power, storing excess energy in hydrogen fuel cells created through water electrolysis. This innovative approach eliminates the need for fossil fuels and ensures a quiet, emission-free journey. Its double-envelop structure provides stability, temperature control, and resilience against various weather conditions, supported by an automatic de-icing system and minimal ground infrastructure requirements.

Covering 25 countries, two oceans, and multiple seas, the airship’s aluminum structure houses 15 helium envelopes, each independently managed to swiftly respond to weather changes. Flying at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet and staying close to the equator, the voyage will span around 21,600 nautical miles and is expected to take between 20 to 30 days.

Construction of the Solar Airship One is slated to begin in 2024, with the 2026 flight as the ultimate goal. The project aims to raise awareness about climate change, inspire the younger generation, and promote green mobility.

The three-person crew, including former astronaut Michel Tognini, balloon flight pilot Bertrand Piccard, and crewmember Dorine Bourneton, intends to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology during the experimental flight, with the goal of obtaining an experimental certification for the 2026 journey.

Euro Airship’s vision extends to ecotourism trips, unmanned surveillance missions, and logistics services due to the airship’s capacity to handle heavy payloads. The project showcases the potential for sustainable air transport solutions, aligning with environmental objectives.