Solar Impulse tackles cross-country flight

Pilot Bertrand Piccard gives a thumbs-up before taking off in the Solar Impulse. Piccard shares piloting duties with Andre Borschberg.  (Beck Diefenbach / Getty Images)

Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard prepares for takeoff.  (Tony Avelar / Associated Press)

The Solar Impulse, piloted by Bertrand Piccard of Switzerland, takes off on its scheduled cross-country journey.  (John G. Mabanglo / EPA)

The Solar Impulse’s 208-foot wings are covered with 12,000 solar cells that soak up the sun’s rays to power the plane’s four electric motors while simultaneously charging batteries.  (Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images)

The goal of the Solar Impulse’s flight is not speed (it’s to travel at a leisurely 43 mph) or endurance (it’s making the trip in stages), but to showcase that the journey can be made without the use of fuel.  (Tony Avelar / Associated Press)