Solar energy technology took a potential step forward this week in the form of the first test-flight for an experimental airplane. With Wednesday's successful test flight, the Solar Impulse is closer to making a planned around-the-world flight a reality.

According to the Solar Impulse website, the test flight was expected to last for about 90 minutes while reaching an altitude of about 1,000 meters.

A Reuters report says that the solar-powered airplane weighs 1,600 kilograms (about 3,500 pounds) and is powered by four electric motors that can keep the plane aloft both day and night.

The wire service added that the plane was under construction for six years and can reach a maximum altitude of about 27,900 feet while traveling at about 70 kilometers per hour using the power generated by its 12,000 photovoltaic panels.

For the foreseeable future, solar energy is likely to serve primarily as a source of electricity and heating instead of air transportation. However, the airline industry has been looking at a variety of other ways to help the environment. For example, some airlines are working towards using more biofuel in the coming years.