The solar-powered SolarStratos plane takes off during its first flight, with test pilot Damian Hischier on board, on May 5, 2017 in Payerne, western Switzerland. The SolarStratos, a sleek, white, two-seater aircraft with long wings, covered with 22 square metres (237 square feet) of solar panels is set to become the first manned solar plane to make a stratospheric flight, according to Raphael Domjan, who is behind the project. / AFP PHOTO / Fabrice COFFRINI