menu Solar flight Harvesting the sun’s rays to power aircraft Breadcrumb Home Innovation Zero emission Solar flight The sun’s rays bathe our planet with vast amounts of energy – approximately 885 million terawatt hours every year. At Airbus, we work to harvest this alternative renewable energy source to power cleaner and high-endurance stratospheric flight. Taking unmanned aerial vehicles into the stratosphere Today, Airbus is advancing solar cell technology to enable unmanned aerial vehicles to stay aloft in the stratosphere for extended periods – using only sunlight as energy. Our work in solar flight is focused on: Developing advanced photovoltaic solar panels that are lighter, more flexible and capable of capturing more energy per m2 of surface, Converting captured solar energy into electrical energy to power an electric-propulsion system and other onboard equipment, Harnessing solar energy into a rechargeable energy storage system, thereby enabling the aircraft to fly at night with unlimited autonomy. Our flagship programme, Zephyr, is a high-altitude pseudo-satellite that is powered exclusively by solar power. Zephyr Pioneering the stratosphere Discover Discover Zero Emission at Airbus Electric flight Laying the groundwork for zero-emission aviation Discover Hydrogen An important pathway to our zero-emission ambition Discover Urban Air Mobility Taking urban transport into the sky Discover Space 15 November 2021 Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) achieves connectivity in trial conducted by Airbus and NTT DOCOMO Airbus and NTT DOCOMO, INC. have demonstrated the ability to use its solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to deliver future wireless broadband connectivity. The trial took place in the United States in August, when the Zephyr S aircraft undertook approx. 18-day stratospheric flights to test various capabilities. Read more Defence 11 October 2021 Airbus Zephyr Solar High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) reaches new heights in its successful 2021 summer test flights The Airbus Zephyr S completes a successful 2021 test flight campaign in the United States. The final Airbus solar-powered High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) flight touched down on 13th September in Arizona, USA, ending the most ambitious and successful Zephyr flight campaign to date. Read more Defence 03 December 2020 The Airbus Zephyr, Solar High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) concludes a successful new test flight campaign in Arizona, USA Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed a new test flight campaign for its Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) in Arizona, U.S.A. Read more Read more arrow_upward Back to top Footer menu Useful links About us Careers Investors Suppliers Newsroom Media Centre Modern Slavery Statement Topics in focus Innovation Sustainability Safety Orders & Deliveries Airbus Foundation Health Onboard Products and services Commercial Aircraft Helicopters Defence Space Security Airbus Corporate Jets Airbus Corporate Helicopters Specific websites Aircraft services Cybersecurity Intelligence Secure Communications Secure Land Communications Airbus around the world Worldwide Presence Airbus in the US Helicopter regional websites Other websites AirbusWorld AirbusWorld for Helicopters Brand centre Let's shop Airbus Legal navigation Terms of use Statement on Accessibility Contact us Privacy Information Notice 京公网安备 11011302002042号 京14011237号 Cookie Settings © Airbus 2021 Social navigation By clicking “Accept All Cookies” you agree to the storing of necessary cookies to enhance navigation and to make our site work. We also set optional analytics cookies (including third party cookies) to help us improve the site and enhance your user experience by analysing your usage of the site. Cookie Settings Reject All Accept All Cookies