Ultralight Solar Plane Nears Goal Off Circling Globe Without Fuel

摘要

A solar plane took a further step toward circling the globe as Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard began a trip across the Atlantic Ocean that is expected to take about four days. Piccard, the 58-year-old adventurer who made the first trip in a hot-air balloon around the globe, took off at about 2:30 a.m. June 20 from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, heading for Seville, Spain. Prince Albert gave the final go-ahead from the project's control center, which is located in Monaco. "It's the moment to go," Piccard said before departing. "Thanks to all of you and see you on the other side."