The Solar Impulse aircraft takes off at the airport in Payerne Photograph: Sebastian Derungs/AFP/Getty ImagesThe solar-powered aircraft, with test pilot Markus Scherdel on board, takes off for its maiden flight at the military airport in Payerne, Switzerland Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/APTest pilot Markus Scherdel gains altitude after he took offPhotograph: Sebastian Derungs/AFP/Getty Images
Solar Impulse is silhouetted in the sun during its maiden flight Photograph: Laurent Gillieron/APThe solar powered aircraft Solar ImpulsePhotograph: Laurent Gillieron/APThe Solar Impulse aircraft lands at the airport in Payerne Photograph: Sebastian Derungs/AFP/Getty Images(Left to right) the Swiss scientist-adventurer and pilot Bertrand Piccard, test pilot Markus Scherdel and Solar Impulse CEO Andre Borschberg celebrate after the first test flight Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
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