China's first domestically designed large solar-powered unmanned plane has reached above 20,000 meters in altitude on a test flight in the country's northwest.

 

中国首架自主设计的大型太阳能无人飞机在国内西北部某地进行试飞，飞行高度超过20000米。
 

 

Using only solar power, it's believed the plane may be able to stay in the air for months or even years at a time.

 

Experts say that the plane, at its maximum flight altitude, can serve as a more flexible, economic satellite, operating in near space for both civic¹ and military use.

 

It could aid in the event of natural disasters, monitor shipping² areas at sea, assist during peacekeeping operations, and serve in the fight against terrorism.

 

It could also help to extend Wi-Fi signals, mobile communication or digital broadcast signals to remote areas.

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