The Solar Impulse plane has already made at least one successful test flight, but the night test was particularly important since it would be crucial in determining the plane's suitability for a trans-global flight set to take place in 2012. Much of the top of the aircraft is covered with photovoltaic solar panels.
According to a blog on the Solar Impulse website, the test flight was held up by the failure of a transmitter in the telemetry system, which affected the aircraft's ability to manage flight configuration and positional information.
The delay could turn out to be a substantial one as well. According to the Solar Impulse team, the transmitter has had overheating problems because of its small size, and may apparently need to be returned to the manufacturer for advice and possible replacement.
The team also noted that despite the media attention focused on this current setback, it is the first time such problems have come up during the seven year history of the project.
