This Solar-Powered Medical Airship Can Go Where Other Emergency Vehicles Can’t

The Solar Ship is designed to shorten the distance between doctors and patients in the developing world, where poor infrastructure often means that remote sick people don’t stand a chance. Not long ago, the idea of building a solar-powered air-blimp to deliver things to remote places would have seemed a bit nuts. And, probably, it still is a bit nuts. But solar-driven air travel actually has credibility these days. Solar Impulse, a well-funded project based in Switzerland, has already flown a plane day and night using just the sun. It’s scheduled to go West Coast to East Coast this summer, and, eventually, around the world. What is more, Jay Godsall, the prime-mover behind the Solar Ship--his dream since he was 16 years-old--is highly motivated, has lived and worked in Africa, and knows how much remote communities need vital supplies, including vaccines. A lot of places...