Latest news with #Stage
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
European Space Agency Is Building A Hypersonic Spaceplane
The European Space Agency is throwing its weight behind a design effort for a hypersonic spaceplane, with hopes of getting the final idea airborne (and spaceborne) by 2031. The ESA is putting up funding for the Invictus research program, which wants to achieve one of the space industry's most coveted breakthroughs: The ability for a spacecraft to launch horizontally off a runway, like a normal plane, and then land back there all in one piece. There have been several attempts over the decades to build a so-called Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) vehicle, but thus far, none have succeeded. Invictus (Latin for "invincible") is hoping to solve the engineering puzzle, which would make spaceflight radically cheaper and simpler than it is today. The program is headed by Frazer-Nash Consultancy, with support from Spirit AeroSystems, Cranfield University, and a few smaller companies. Critically, the project has hired a bunch of staff from Reaction Engines Ltd, a British company that had been working on spaceplane engines for decades before going bankrupt last year. Reaction's core innovation was pre-cooling technology, which it always said was the key to unlocking hypersonic and orbital travel. While the company itself didn't live long enough to find out, with the ESA's money, Invictus is going to try to find out for sure. Read more: These Cars Are Police Magnets Pre-Cooling Air Before It Hits The Engine Going to space is expensive. You need a big rocket that launches vertically, which requires a launch pad and launch tower. Rockets are usually multi-stage, and most (if not all) of those stages are discarded during the flight. SpaceX is developing ways to make those stages fly home for later reuse, but it's still a massively complex endeavor. Spaceplanes are a much simpler and theoretically cheaper idea — just take off and land like a plane! — but the trick is building cost-effective engines that can power both air and space flight. Ordinary jet engines need oxygen to burn, which they pull out of the air. But to reach the speeds needed to break orbit, hypersonic speeds of Mach 5+, the sheer heat of air friction hitting the engine would actually melt it. Pretty bad! Reaction's purpose in life was more or less to figure out a way to get the air temperature down before it hit the engine, a process called pre-cooling. With that system installed, even traditional jet engines should, theoretically, be able to reach speeds over 15,000 mph, enough to get anywhere in the world in just a few hours. Then, if the craft goes up past the atmosphere and into space, the engines would switch over to onboard oxygen tanks. If it all works, it should be able to ferry cargo to space for radically less than current systems and to other places on Earth at much faster speed. The Spaceplane Race The ESA, it should be clear, is only putting €7 million of its money into Invictus, which won't exactly build a working plane. This investment is to see if the Invictus team can come up with a workable design within 12 months. If not, well, game over again. If they can, however, then humanity has an exciting future ahead of it. Meanwhile, there are a number of other projects around the world trying to get their own spaceplanes off the ground. Startup company Sierra Space has been working on its Dream Chaser design since 2015, which is getting close to being able to fly to the ISS. China has flown the Shenlong a few times since 2023. The U.S. Space Force has been flying the remotely operated X-37B since 2010, a program that just got a $1 billion from the Big Beautiful Bill. All of these are experimental and not in any kind of active use just yet. If any of them get ready for showtime, then the days of the massive rocket on a launchpad may be numbered. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Prices for alcohol at TRNSMT 2025 in Glasgow revealed
The popular Scottish music festival, set to welcome around 150,000 attendees, kicks off on Friday, July 11, at Glasgow Green. Final preparations are well underway, with crews working to complete the city-centre site. READ MORE: Urgent warning ahead of TRNSMT 2025 in Glasgow This year, the event features four new stages, including the much-anticipated BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage, which replaces the Boogie Bar. Big-name acts such as 50 Cent, Snow Patrol, and Biffy Clyro are among those expected to perform. The Hangout—an over-18s-only zone—is also set to return, promising a dedicated space for adult festival-goers. Organisers have expanded food and drink offerings to complement the all-in-one entertainment experience. However, those looking to indulge should expect steep prices across the board. The Scottish Sun has reported that a price list from Bar 2, one of the official festival bars, reveals the following: Beer/Cider Carlsberg Pilsner (pint) £6.75 Somersby Cider (pint) £6.95 Carlsber 0.0% (330ml) £5.50 Spirits with mixers Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka (25ml) £8 Gordon's London Dry Gin (25ml) £8 Gordon's Pink Gin (25ml) £8.50 Captain Morgan's Dark Rum (25ml) £8 Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold (25ml) £8 Johnnie Walker Black Label (25ml) £8 Casamigos Blanco Tequila (25ml) £12 Vodkaa & Rockstar Energy Drink (25ml) £10.20 Mixers include Ginger Beer, Pepsi Max, R White's Lemonade, Soda Water, Pineapple Juice, Pink Grapefruit Soda and Tonic. Ready to drink spirit and mixer Smirnoff Miami Peach and Lemonade (250ml) £9 Smirnoff Raspberry Crush and Lemonade (250ml) £9 Captain Morgan x Pepsi MAX (250ml) £9 Gordon's Gin and Tonic (250ml) £9 Johnnie Walker and Lemonade (250ml) £9 Captain Morgan Muck Pit Brew (440ml) £9 White Claw Hard Seltzer Blackberry (330ml) £7.20 Mango (330ml) £7.20 Green Apple (330ml) £7.20 Raspberry (330ml) £7.20 Wines Single serve, white, red and rose (187ml) £8 Rockstar Energy Drinks Tropical Guava (250ml) £4 Peach Zero Sugar (330ml) £4 Original (250ml) £4 Soft drinks Water (500ml) £2.60 Pepsi (330ml) £3.15 7 UP Zero (330ml) £2.95 J20 Orange & Passionfruit (250ml) £3.50 READ MORE: TRNSMT food prices REVEALED including £15.50 pizza Food prices revealed earlier this week show that fish and chips—a festival favourite—will be available from two vendors, with prices ranging from £13 to £14.50. Pizza fans will have plenty of choice, with five vendors serving slices priced between £12.50 and £15.50. For those after a simpler option, a basic portion of chips will cost around £5, while adding curry sauce or other toppings could push the price up to approximately £9.50. With temperatures expected to rise and a high wildfire warning already in place for Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has urged attendees to stay hydrated, protect themselves from the sun, and be mindful of their wellbeing and others.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
What time does TRNSMT start and finish? When gates open & key timings
If you're heading to TRNSMT this weekend here are all of the key timings you need to know. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... TRNSMT is upon us, and music lovers from around the country will soon start flocking to Glasgow Green to make the most of the festival weekend. Whether you're attending just one day or are there from Friday to Sunday, it is set to be a massive weekend for music. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With headliners including 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Fontaines D.C, Snow Patrol, Gracie Abrams and more, here are all of the TRNSMT opening times you need to know. When do TRNSMT gates open? For those looking to maximise their time at the festival this weekend, TRNSMT gates open at 12 noon. This will apply from Friday to Sunday. The earliest acts to perform at TRNSMT will begin around the same time as gates opening, with the first acts set to take to the Main Stage at around 12.20pm. Still curious? We have a dedicated article with all of the TRNSMT 2025 Stage Times, here. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fans will head to Glasgow Green for the festival. | John Devlin When is last entry to TRNSMT? However, if you're only interested in a select few performances and would rather relax before heading along to TRNSMT, last entry is at 9.30pm — that's around the time the final set of the night will begin on the Main Stage. What time does TRNSMT finish? TRNSMT will finish at around 11pm. Final performances from headliners on the Main Stage will end between 10.50pm and 10.55pm, with the TRNSMT arena closing at 11pm (or after all of the fans have flooded out of Glasgow Green).
Powys County Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Sats results rise on last year but stay below pre-pandemic levels
The proportion of Year 6 pupils in England who met the expected standard in this year's Sats exams has risen, but it is still below pre-pandemic levels, official statistics show. The Key Stage 2 results showed 62% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined this summer, up from 61% last year. In 2019, 65% of pupils met the standard, according to the provisional Department for Education (DfE) data. In individual subjects, scores were higher than last year. In total, 75% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, up from 74% in 2024. In writing, 72% of pupils met the expected standard, an increase of 0.5 percentage points on last year. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 73% of pupils met the expected standard, up from 72%. Overall, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in science, up from 81%, and 74% met the expected standard in maths, up from 73%. The DfE said these pupils experienced disruption to their learning during the pandemic, particularly at the end of Year 1 and in Year 2. Attainment in all subjects, other than reading, has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, it added. The figures come after education unions have raised concerns about the statutory tests in primary schools as they fear they are too 'high-pressure'. Currently, pupils in England sit Sats in the summer of Year 6 and these results are often used in holding primary schools to account. Children also take a phonics check in Year 1 and a times table check in Year 4. The interim report of the independent curriculum and assessment review, published in March, concluded that formal assessments are an 'important part' of primary school education. But it said the review will examine how the assessment of writing in Year 6 'can be improved', and it will review concerns about the grammar, punctuation and spelling assessment. The final report of the review, chaired by education expert Professor Becky Francis, is due to be published in the autumn. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'It's brilliant to see more children building the strong foundations in reading, writing and maths that will set them on a path to future success. 'It's a testament to the hard work of teachers across the country who have tirelessly supported pupils to prepare for the assessments earlier this year. 'Yet despite our brilliant teachers, we still have over a third of children leaving school below the expected standard in one or more of these critical subjects, with writing in particular continuing to lag below pre-pandemic levels.' On Tuesday, the DfE published a framework for primary schools in England that outlines a 'common approach' for teaching writing to pupils. A focus on handwriting, encouraging children to speak out loud and a renewed focus on Reception are part of the writing framework. Announcing the framework, Ms Phillipson said the Government wants young people 'to be as confident putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok'. Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'Pupils, teachers and school leaders have worked incredibly hard throughout the year and deserve enormous credit for their achievements. 'However, it is time to change this system of statutory assessment which is of little benefit to teachers or children.' He added: 'These tests are instead used as an accountability tool to judge and compare school performance – and not even a reliable one at that. 'They are given disproportionate significance and heap pressure onto pupils and staff, causing unnecessary stress and in some cases harming their wellbeing. 'We were disappointed that the interim curriculum and assessment review report did not support scaling back statutory tests for children. 'Reducing the negative impact, cost, time and resources required for phonics, the multiplication check and the grammar, punctuation and spelling tests would not reduce standards, and we urge the review team to think again ahead of the publication of its final report.' A spokeswoman for campaign group More Than A Score said: 'A small percentage change is not an indication of 'high and rising standards'. 'Standards should not be based on a narrow set of tests following a year of intensive cramming. 'These exams do not measure all that children can do and are damaging to mental health, causing sleepless nights and low self-esteem for 10 and 11-year-olds.' Tiffnie Harris, primary specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: 'It is good to see the continued improvement in the proportion of children reaching expected standards since the Covid-19 pandemic. 'There is much debate about the pressure these tests can place on children. 'Teachers are adept at identifying and providing additional help where pupils are showing signs of anxiety. 'However, these are demanding one-size-fits-all tests, and it would be better to move to a system of personalised assessments using the type of adaptive testing technology which is readily available.'
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Cinema concert spectacle hits PJPAC stage this July
MUSIC enthusiasts and cinema lovers are in for a spectacular treat as Tutan Entertainment announces 'A Salute to Cinema', an extraordinary celebration of iconic film music set to grace the Stage 1 Theatre at PJPAC, 1 Utama on 18th and 19th July 2025. Star-Studded Musical Lineup The highly anticipated concert will feature the renowned Tutan Festival Orchestra alongside the prestigious Kuala Lumpur City Opera, under the expert direction of Kevin Field from Bentley Music Academy. This powerhouse combination promises to deliver breathtaking orchestral arrangements and powerful choral harmonies that will transport audiences into the heart of cinematic history. The carefully curated programme includes legendary scores from beloved films such as Star Wars, The Godfather, Interstellar, Mary Poppins, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Each selection has been chosen to capture the essence of these cinematic masterpieces, from the epic intensity of Duel of the Fates to the haunting beauty of The Godfather theme. Building on Previous Success Following the tremendous success of Broadway & Beyond and Symphonic Rock, the Tutan Festival Orchestra continues to push creative boundaries with their ability to bring musical stories to life. The orchestra has earned recognition for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, seamlessly capturing the grandeur of cinematic scores whilst remaining true to their classical roots. 'This concert is a tribute to the music that has defined some of the greatest films of all time,' shared conductor Kevin Field. 'From epic soundscapes to intimate melodies, these scores highlight the unique role music plays in storytelling. We're excited to bring these powerful compositions to life on stage.' Diverse Musical Journey The concert programme promises an emotional rollercoaster, featuring everything from the dreamlike wonder of Interstellar's ethereal compositions to the whimsical charm of Mary Poppins' beloved melodies. The enchanting medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas adds a touch of fantastical storytelling that showcases the versatility of both the orchestra and opera company. Accessible Entertainment for All Tutan Entertainment has ensured that this spectacular event remains accessible to music lovers across all demographics. Tickets will be available starting from 15th November 2024, with prices beginning at RM120. The company has promised exclusive promotions to make this extraordinary musical experience available to a wider audience. Perfect Night Out Experience Whether you're a dedicated film buff, passionate music enthusiast, or simply seeking an extraordinary evening of entertainment, 'A Salute to Cinema' promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The combination of visual storytelling through music and the live performance energy creates a unique concert experience that captivates both heart and imagination. The event represents Tutan Entertainment's commitment to creating exceptional live music experiences that connect audiences with the timeless beauty of classical and orchestral music. With their focus on innovative programming and world-class performances, the company continues to redefine the boundaries of music appreciation in Malaysia. Venue and Booking Information The concerts will take place at Stage 1 Theatre, PJPAC, located at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. The venue's excellent acoustics and intimate setting provide the perfect backdrop for this cinematic musical journey.
