Solar Challenger: Energy, Environment, and the Spectacle of Solar Aviation, 1976-1981

Ben Spohn interviews Karlyn Allenbrand about her ongoing dissertation research on the Solar Challenger, the world's first solar-powered airplane built by Dr. Paul MacCready's company AeroVironment.

Allenbrand argues that from the start MacCready recognized that the Solar Challenger was a promotional project meant to highlight the potential of solar power and renewable energy rather than become a commercially viable alternative to fossil fuel burning aircraft. In addition to using photovoltaic cells for power, the aircraft was made in partnership with DuPont who had an interest in highlighting the viability of their plastic products.

Karlyn Allenbrand is currently a Phd student at University of Delaware. 

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