Can Solar Aircraft Stay Aloft for Months? Kea Atmos Just Might

In February 2025, Kea Aerospace, based in Christchurch, New Zealand, completed a landmark stratospheric flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Kea Atmos Mk1—marking a significant advancement in high-altitude, long-endurance aviation. The uncrewed vehicle reached 56,284 feet, remained airborne for 8 hours and 20 minutes, and covered 420 kilometers during the test.

With a wingspan of 12.5 meters and weighing under 40 kilograms, the aircraft is engineered for the unique conditions of the stratosphere, where air density is less than 10% of sea-level values. Its lightweight frame and aerodynamic structure enable efficient operation in low-pressure, high-radiation environments.

Fully powered by solar energy, the Kea Atmos Mk1 is built for extended missions without refueling. It transmits real-time data to ground stations, supporting applications such as maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. The aircraft is classified as a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), a category of long-endurance systems designed to maintain continuous aerial coverage.

Kea Aerospace intends to expand on this foundation, developing future models capable of remaining aloft for months at a time. To meet the demands of such durations, the company designed the Mk1 as a demonstrator platform that combines high-efficiency solar collection with durable flight performance under extreme atmospheric conditions.