A private European aerospace company scrubbed its attempt on Monday to launch the first test flight of its orbital launch vehicle from Norway.Unfavorable winds meant that the Spectrum rocket couldnt be launched from the island of Andya in northern Norway, Munich-based Isar Aerospace said.The launch is subject to various factors, including weather and safety. The company said it could also conduct the test flight later in the week. Another date hasnt yet been set.The 28-meter (91-foot) Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle designed for small and medium-size satellites.The company has largely ruled out the possibility of the rocket reaching orbit on its first complete flight, saying that it would consider a 30-second flight a success. Isar Aerospace aims to collect as much data and experience as possible on the first integrated test of all the systems on its in-house-developed launch vehicle.The startup, which says it has raised more than 400 million euros ($435 million) in capital, hopes to build up to 40 launch vehicles per year in the future at a plant outside of Munich. The launch vehicles are all to be used for putting satellites into orbit.Isar Aerospace is separate from the European Space Agency, or ESA, which is funded by its 23 member states.ESA has been launching rockets and satellites into orbit for years, but mainly from French Guianaan overseas department of France in South Americaand from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Described as the worst U.S. security breach in a generation, the leak is an unprecedented failure for the White House. For several days, a journalist from The Atlantic had unrestricted access to a private Signal group chat involving the highest levels of governmentdiscussing, in real time, an imminent U.S. military strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen. And no one in the administration had a clue.Investigations are already underway to determine how such a blunder could happen. But the core issue requires no deep forensic analysis: the failure was human.According to reports, The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a Signal chat that included the presidents national security adviser and the secretary of defenseapparently because National Security Adviser Michael Waltz misidentified Goldberg (whose display name was simply J.G.) as a government official.Its a pretty egregious failing, says Robert Pritchard, a former deputy head of the U.K.s Cyber Security Operations Center. While apps like Signal or WhatsApp offer strong encryption and are widely used for coordination, Pritchard notes that such tools are not appropriate for sensitive or classified communicationnot because the apps themselves are insecure, but because the devices and, crucially, the users are.Or, to put it more bluntly: the problem is the people using them.Signal is no substitute for good operational security, says Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity professor at the University of Surrey. Invite someone to your chat group, and of course they can read everything.The potential fallout is enormous. It may sound extreme, but this is the sort of failure that could get people killed, warns Woodward. Its fortunate the journalist chose not to share all the information and waited until after the relevant events unfolded.Beyond the immediate security risks, the episode reveals a deeper institutional problem: the lack of transparency and proper recordkeeping when government business is conducted on third-party messaging apps with disappearing messages. Even more troubling to some experts is the likelihood of it happening again. Human mistakes happenand they will continue to happen, says Lukasz Olejnik, an independent cybersecurity consultant and visiting senior research fellow at Kings College London. And policies will be violated.What comes next is unclear. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly claimed no war or attack plans were shared in the chatsomething The Atlantics Goldberg disputes, calling the statement a lie.I would imagine there is a big clean-up operation ongoing right now, says Pritchard, the former Cyber Security Operations Center deputy. All those devices need to be wiped, including any secondary devices that have the same Signal account accessible on them, and there need to be investigations into what else has gone on on Signal.But cleanup may be to little, too late. After all, the leaked chats are a goldmine for adversaries. Among the damage is a leak of fragments of information potentially allowing people to compose a psychological profile of U.S. leaders, says Kings College Londons Olejnikfrom their emoji use to the vice presidents candid feelings about Donald Trump.In the end, this wasnt a failure of technologyit was a failure of judgment. And it may take more than a wiped device to repair the damage.

Britas and other popular water filtration systems are often made of plastic. For those who prefer metal, there are stainless steel offerings from Berkey and Boroux, shown below. Well-considered industrial design is about the transitions. The equatorial seam on both the Berkey and Boroux units is probably cost-effective, but lends these units an institutional look. In contrast, a startup called Rorra produces a more designey stainless steel offering: Rorra's more flowing form gives you the impression the designer(s) sweated the details. To me it's a lot easier on the eyes. There are a couple of caveats with the Rorra. One is that it requires four AAA batteries. These do not power the filtrationthe unit is gravity-fed, as are the competitors'but provide the juice for the filter replacement notification light. Which leads us to the second caveat. All water filtration systems require the user to periodically replace the filter. And the filters for these three manufacturers are proprietary, meaning if they go out of business, you've now got a worthless stainless steel artifact. Berkey has been around for over 30 years, providing some peace of mind as to their longevity. Boroux is a bit newer, having launched around 2016. Rorra, the newcomer, came on the market in 2020. With any luck their offering's better looks will lead to market longevity, but anytime you buy something from a new company that requires replacement parts, you are taking a gamble.

This Solid Chair is by Heinz H. Landes, a German Postmodern artist active in the 1980s. It's made of ten pieces of rebar and a block of concrete: Chicago-based vintage design reseller Carefully Picked has a pair of the chairs for sale. Their video is below. Sitters may be surprised to feel that the rebar has some give:These chairs would make an unpleasing gift for a construction worker who spends their days working these materials, but in 1986 it was suitably titillating for the gallery-going crowd.

Living spaces have always presented a curious paradox: while the dimensions of our rooms remain constant, our needs and preferences for these spaces evolve constantly. Traditional furniture often feels like a commitment set in stone, with bulky pieces that resist reconfiguration and adaptation to our changing lifestyles. This disconnect between static furnishings and dynamic living patterns creates unnecessary waste when perfectly functional items are discarded simply because they no longer fit our spatial requirements or aesthetic preferences.The Loopo modular furniture system tackles this challenge with an innovative approach that reimagines how we interact with our living environments. Drawing inspiration from the mathematical concept of loops patterns that can repeat infinitely with endless variations this furniture collection transforms rigid interior design into a fluid, adaptable experience. Each component in the system functions as a building block that can be combined and reconfigured repeatedly, creating a virtually limitless array of functional arrangements without requiring new materials or manufacturing processes.Designer: BujnieWhat truly distinguishes the Loopo system is its remarkable simplicity of assembly coupled with its chameleon-like adaptability. Unlike conventional modular systems that often require specialized tools or technical knowledge, Loopo components connect intuitively, allowing anyone to reconfigure their space with minimal effort. This accessibility democratizes interior design, empowering users to experiment with layouts and functions without the intimidation factor that typically accompanies furniture assembly or the financial commitment of purchasing entirely new pieces.Users can arrange and rearrange modular shelf components to create storage solutions that respond directly to their specific needs rather than forcing belongings to conform to predetermined compartments. This personalization extends beyond mere configuration the entire system can be finished in any color from the RAL palette, allowing for chromatic customization that harmonizes with existing dcor or makes a bold statement through intentional contrast.For example, a desk plant stand configuration exemplifies the thoughtful versatility built into every Loopo component. This compact addition attaches seamlessly to workspaces, bringing a touch of nature into environments where focus and creativity are paramount. Beyond its aesthetic contribution, the strategically designed height and proportions of the plant stand optimize the biophilic benefits of indoor greenery: improving air quality, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive function precisely where these benefits are most valuable during concentrated work sessions.Coffee tables within the Loopo ecosystem demonstrate how functional simplicity can achieve sophisticated design outcomes. The clean lines and minimalist forms create versatile centerpieces that transition effortlessly between professional and residential settings. These tables serve as both practical surfaces and visual anchors, defining relaxation zones without overwhelming them. The deliberate restraint in their design allows them to complement diverse interior styles while maintaining the distinctive Loopo identity of adaptable functionality.The Loopo system ultimately transforms furniture from static objects into dynamic tools for spatial expression. As our relationship with our living environments continues to evolve, particularly with the blurring boundaries between work and home spaces, this adaptability becomes increasingly valuable. By creating infinite variations from finite components, this furniture system offers a refreshing alternative to the wasteful cycle of purchasing, discarding, and replacing that has dominated interior design for generations.The post Loopo Modular Furniture System Offers a More Sustainable Way to Organize Your Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

The film lighting industry has witnessed countless innovations throughout its history, but few have managed to combine practicality with creative potential quite like ColorPipes. These ultra-lightweight inflatable lighting solutions are quickly becoming the secret weapon of cinematographers and content creators who demand flexibility without sacrificing quality. Engineered specifically for filmmakers and content creators by those who understand the unique challenges of on-set lighting, ColorPipes represents a paradigm shift in how we approach illumination for visual storytelling.Traditional film lighting often presents logistical nightmares heavy equipment that requires multiple crew members to position, fragile components that demand delicate handling, and power-hungry systems that complicate remote shooting. ColorPipes tackles these pain points head-on with their revolutionary inflatable design that delivers exceptional brightness while weighing a fraction of conventional lighting rigs. This remarkable engineering feat allows production teams to achieve professional-quality lighting without the usual transportation headaches and setup delays.Designer: Pipe LightingThe pixelized RGBWW technology embedded within these innovative tubes offers creators unprecedented creative control over their visual palette. Each ColorPipe functions as both a high-CRI bicolor light source and a dynamic RGB effect tool, allowing cinematographers to seamlessly transition between practical illumination and mood-enhancing color washes. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple specialized fixtures, streamlining equipment lists and empowering creators to experiment with lighting techniques that would otherwise require extensive gear collections.What truly sets ColorPipes apart is their remarkable durability in challenging environments. The IP67-rated waterproof construction means these lights continue performing flawlessly in rain, saltwater spray, and even during underwater filming up to one meter deep. This weather resistance opens up creative possibilities previously limited by equipment constraints, allowing directors to capture authentic moments in natural settings without compromising on lighting quality or worrying about equipment damage from environmental exposure.The systems wireless control capabilities further enhance its appeal for modern production workflows. With CRMX, DMX, and Bluetooth connectivity options, lighting designers can make real-time adjustments from a distance, perfect for dynamic shooting situations where speed and adaptability are crucial. The intuitive controller interface strikes an ideal balance between professional functionality and user-friendly operation, making these sophisticated tools accessible even to smaller production teams without dedicated lighting technicians.Perhaps most impressive is the ColorPipes exceptional power-to-weight ratio, delivering studio-quality illumination from a package that deflates to fit inside a compact carrying case. This remarkable space efficiency translates directly into cost savings for productions, reducing transportation expenses and eliminating the need for dedicated grip trucks on smaller shoots. The quick inflation system means a complete lighting setup can be operational within minutes, allowing crews to maximize productive shooting time instead of wrestling with cumbersome traditional lighting rigs.ColorPipes represent a thoughtful reimagining of what film lighting can be: lightweight without compromising output, durable without being cumbersome, and versatile without becoming complicated. As production demands continue pushing creative teams to work faster with fewer resources, tools that combine professional performance with practical advantages become invaluable. For content creators seeking to break free from traditional lighting limitations while maintaining exceptional image quality, these innovative inflatable lights offer a compelling solution thats changing how we illuminate our visual stories.The post Inflatable ColorPipes Lamps Offer Lightweight and Programmable Lighting For Content Creators first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tanya Combrinck meets the artists and designers who created some this years best tabletop role-playing games

The brand's playful new ad is all about getting high.

As the Trump administration continues its efforts to slash the US federal workforce, the team responsible for publishing data used in advanced research in astrophysics, nuclear fusion, and other fields appears to be on the chopping block.

The popular video app, which could be banned in the United States next month if it is not sold to a non-Chinese owner, is portraying itself as a savior of Americans and a champion of small businesses in a new campaign.