Solar Powered Helios Plane Destroyed in Test Flight

deglr6328 writes "NASA's solar powered Helios airplane has crashed into the Pacific off the coast of Kauai today during its first test using a regenerative fuel cell power supply. Helios held the record for highest prop propelled plane altitude at 96,863 (set 2 years ago) and was making preparations for a 96 hour continuous flight using its 62,000 solar cells during the day while electrolyzing water into hydrogen and oxygen for use in its fuel cells at night. With the capability to carry 200 lb. to near 100,000 ft. for months on end, Helios was eyed with great anticipation by scientists and RF telecommunications buisnesses alike."

Comments

Shot down, not crashed

[Jah-Wren Ryel]

Anyone else familiar with the geography of Kauai? The area where the plane was described to be flying is the PMRF - Pacific Missile Test Range. Not really the safest place to be flying around in. There is a good chance that the plane was accidentally shot down during a missile test firing at the facility when it was mistaken for a target drone.