KUSA - An airplane powered entirely by the sun is about to make its first cross-country flight, traveling from California to New York.

The Solar Impulse is the project of Swiss former venture capitalist Andre Borschberg.

"The real objective is to inspire people," he said. "Inspire people to become pioneers, inspire to explore, to try new things, to maybe try the impossible."

The plane has a massive wingspan that collects solar power, which it then stores so it can fly at day or night.

The plane is scheduled to complete its first cross-country flight this spring.

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