The Solar Impulse HB-SIA patiently waiting, wings wide open absorbing the Moroccan sun; André in the cockpit taking his position for the upcoming challenge and the ground crew tirelessly going through their usual checklist. It’s always an appeasing sight to witness these preparations before a flight. The majestic profile of the solar aircraft on the seemingly infinite runway can’t inspire anything else but admiration.

In contrast to the serene take-off of the HB-SIA at 07:07 (UTC+1), it was mayhem in the temporary hangar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Solar Impulse team in such a frenetic state: people rushing left and right, voices in the background shouting-out instructions, our Moroccan partners cleaning up the premises while the multimedia team juggles packing its equipment and uploading the latest shots on the website. It is truly like a dress rehearsal for the 2014 world tour, but there is limited room for error as everything needs to be packed and ready to go just in time to catch our ride to Ouarzazate.

Only when at the heart of the action does one realize the extent of logistics behind such a project. When I look at the amount of multimedia gear that is being packed around me as I write these words, I can’t but be impressed. Given the experimental nature of the airplane, every flight requires the displacement of a team of experts, ground crew and multimedia each with their specialized equipment. I’m just trying to imagine how things will be in 2014. We will all morph into a nomadic tribe of followers, crossing oceans, forests and deserts with our belongings to shadow Helios and the gigantic solar-powered wings.