Here’s the solar-powered plane, the Pathfinder. It is a lightweight, solar-powered, remotely piloted flying wing aircraft that is demonstrating the technology of applying solar power for long-duration, high-altitude flight. The solar arrays cover most of the upper wing surface to generate power for the aircraft’s electric motors, avionics, communications and other electronic systems. It also has a backup battery system that provides power two to five hours to allow a short flight in the night. It flies in airspeed of 15 to 25 mph. Video after the jump.

In the Video: Centurion/Helios Prototype the successor of Pathfinder, Pathfinder-Plus. It has a longer wing than before and it’s designed to reach and sustain altitudes in the 100,000-foot range.

[via NASA]