It was a delight to see the temporary hangar bustling with activity for the HB-SIA’s fourth day in Morocco’s Rabat-Salé airport. A full day of events was organized to introduce youth from all corners of the nation to the solar airplane as well as Morocco’s solar energy plan.

A hubbub of buses bulging with impatient youth paraded in the airport’s parking lot starting 8am this morning. It was a sight to see: as soon as the doors of the buses were opened, streams of youngsters rushed their way to the temporary hangar. They were all enthusiastic to see the much-talked about aircraft that landed in their country for its first intercontinental flight.

It is always interesting to observe children’s expressions when they are faced with something new and intriguing: eyes open wide, slightly parted mouth and chin up. But what was most moving was their sharpness, curiosity and thirst for knowledge. After André and Bertrand’s presentation of the project and the aircraft, all the children were allowed to ask questions. André’s favorite was a young boy asking if Moroccans could one day make it to Mars. I was particularly impressed by the maturity of the questions such as “Why did Solar Impulse choose Morocco?”, “What are the main materials used to build the aircraft?” and “Will children be able to fly in the aircraft someday?”

Just observing the interaction between the two founders and pilots of Solar Impulse with the flock of children aged between 8-14 years of age was inspiring and a reminder of how little it takes to make a difference in a child’s mind. Let’s just hope the visit will have a lasting effect possibly resulting in a Moroccan mission to Mars or a solar airplane capable of transporting a family with children...