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Credit & Copyright: N. Galante
(NASA)
Explanation:
Daedalus warned Icarus that if he flew too high,
the Sun would melt his wings.
Apparently, nobody gave the ERAST Pathfinder-Plus aircraft a similar warning.
Earlier this month, not only did
Pathfinder-Plus fly higher than any previous propeller-driven aircraft -
its wings converted sunlight into power. Pictured, Pathfinder-Plus is flying above
Hawaii
soon after soaring to a record height of 24,700 meters.
What's more, Pathfinder-Plus is only a prototype -- future aircraft in the
ERAST program may fly higher. Pathfinder's wings spread nearly 30 meters, and
its total mass is only about 270 kilograms.
NASA's Pathfinder-Plus
is flown by remote control, and can stay aloft for weeks at a time.
Tomorrow's picture: The Moons Of Earth
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day