Swiss pilot takes big step closer to solar plane altitude record
Self-described eco-explorer Domjan, 53, flew the SolarStratos electric plane to an altitude of 8,224 metres in a flight lasting around four and a half hours, his team told reporters, after he landed back at Sion airport in southwestern Switzerland.
The current altitude record for a solar plane stands at 9,235 metres, set in 2010 by the Solar Impulse experimental aeroplane, flown by Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg.
Domjan is aiming to get to 10,000 metres or beyond -- flying at the same altitude as airliners.
A warm-up flight on July 31 got to 6,589 metres -- the highest-ever for SolarStratos.
And an attempt on Friday was cut short when the rising warm air thermals needed to boost the ascent failed to materialise, with Domjan turning back to preserve the charge in the batteries for Sunday, when the conditions looked more promising.
Sunday's second attempt of the season set a new high altitude best for the two-seater SolarStratos, which has high-spec solar panels covering its huge 24.8-metre wingspan.
The slow-charging plane will be left out in the sun to get the batteries back up to 100 percent for the next attempt.
"To be a pioneer, an adventurer, it means trying something you are not sure will succeed," Domjan told AFP on Friday.
"We'll try and try until we go to 10,000 metres.
"It's important to demonstrate what we can achieve with solar energy, what we can do with electricity," he added.
rjm-jj/gv
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
AIRO Group Holdings Announce the Development of Its New Middle-Mile Cargo Drone
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRO) is one of the Best Small-Cap Drone Stocks to Invest In. On July 22, AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRO) announced the development of its new middle-mile cargo drone. At the EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, AIRO Group revealed that it is introducing a new drone that will be a medium-lift cargo drone. Moreover, the company announced the expansion of its operations into the YMX Innovation Zone in Mirabel, Quebec. AIRO Group's electric mobility segment, Jaunt Air Mobility, and its Canadian subsidiary, Jaunt Air Mobility Canada, are leading this initiative. AIRO Group's new cargo drone is designed to carry almost 250 to 500 pounds and cover distances of over 200 miles. This cargo drone is an efficient, low-emission alternative to conventional middle-mile freight options, including box trucks and tractor-trailers. AIRO's new drone will be equipped with a modular Ground Control System that will offer real-time flight monitoring, dynamic mission planning, and secure communications management. 'We're thrilled to unveil our cargo drone—an innovative solution designed to serve both remote and urban communities. Our work on the CORRIDAIR Project with our partner Vertiko Mobilité demonstrated the transformative potential of this technology, especially for First Nation communities in rural Quebec, where access to critical medical supplies and fuel is limited. Building on that success, and integrating advanced drone technologies from across AIRO, we believe that we're uniquely positioned to harness the full capabilities of YMX's infrastructure and ecosystem,' said Martin Peryea, SVP & GM of AIRO's Electric Air Mobility segment and leader of Jaunt. AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRO) is an aerospace and defense company involved in manufacturing drones for different industries. The company operates through the following segments: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility. While we acknowledge the potential of AIRO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
RedCloud Delivers Stellar Year-Over-Year Customer Growth In H1 With Positive Retailer Purchasing Behavior
LONDON, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedCloud Holdings plc ('RCT') ('RedCloud' or the 'Company') today announces positive year-over-year customer growth numbers across its markets with a growing appetite for bulk trade between distributors, while also making positive progress on key retailer purchasing metrics. During the first half of 2025, the Company more than doubled its active retailer base to 68,089 customers, from 32,405 for the same period last year, representing growth of 110%. For the same period, the Company's active distributor customers increased by 136% year over year to 1,017, from 431 during the same period in the previous year. The increase in customer numbers brings greater diversity of inventory data sets gathered on the RedAI Trading Platform, further deepening the quality of data, market insights and trade intelligence for the Company's customers to grow and improve their business performance. In addition to customer growth as a sign of progress, the Company closely monitors purchasing trends within its retailer base through the Red101 app, with the intention of maximizing choice and flexibility for its retail customers. Comparing the first half of 2025 to the same period last year, the Company reports a 214% increase in orders containing multiple brands - demonstrating the Company's ability to improve both consistent supply and assortment for retailers, while bringing opportunities for brands and distributors to reach new customers through the Red101 app. 'Today we are proud to announce solid growth in customer numbers in the first half of 2025, alongside encouraging buying behavior from retailers across adjacent categories and from alternative distributors. Metrics around customer behavior are strong indicators of how the RedAI Trading Platform and Red101 app deliver transparency and choice to supply chains – such as the ability for retailers to choose more products from the best local distributors, in quantities they need and at competitive prices,' commented Justin Floyd, Co-Founder & CEO of RedCloud. 'We are proud of the growth we continue to deliver and are thankful to our customers for joining us on the open commerce journey. When combined with initiatives such as the recently launched TradeX bulk trading program, we remain extremely confident about progress towards our mission to deliver the new operating system for global FMCG trade.' About RedCloud Holdings plc RedCloud has developed and operates the RedCloud trading platform (the 'Platform'), that facilitates the trading of everyday consumer supplies of fast-moving consumer goods ('FMCG') products across business supply chains. RedCloud believes its Platform solves a decades old problem of how to unlock and enable access to key purchase and sales data between brands, distributors and retailers in high growth consumer markets. Through RedCloud's Platform, retailers are enabled to use data driven insights backed by artificial intelligence ('AI') to help make faster and easier business-to-business ('B2B') purchases and inventory decisions from brands and distributors by breaking down complex purchasing behaviors of large product inventory catalogues. For more information about RedCloud and its Platform, please visit and connect on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. When used in this press release, words such as 'expect,' 'project,' 'estimate,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'seek,' 'forecast,' 'target,' 'predict,' 'may,' 'should,' 'would,' 'could,' and 'will,' the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, including, but not limited to,the continued growth of the Company's customer base, customers' purchasing behavior and requisite needs, the Company's ability to continue to provide distributors and retailers with adequate resources to conduct their business and the effectiveness of collected data through the RedAI Trading Platform to provide transparency and choice to supply chains. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in RedCloud's described in 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,' 'Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors' and 'Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects' in RedCloud's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on May 16, 2025, as well as other documents filed by the Company with the SEC. RedCloud undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the Company's website or any other website or any social media is expressly not incorporated by reference into and is not a part of this press release. Contacts: Investor RelationsRyan Media RelationsJames McCarthymedia@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Market to Reach $2 Billion by 2030 - Rising Collaboration Between mRNA Developers and Raw Material Providers Drive Long-term Growth
Market opportunities for mRNA synthesis raw materials lie in the growing demand for high-purity materials driven by mRNA therapeutics. Key drivers include advancements in mRNA technology, regulatory compliance, and supply chain resilience. Emerging applications in personalized medicine and gene editing further boost this market. mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Dublin, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to global market for mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials was estimated at US$1.7 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business rapid advancement of mRNA-based technologies has propelled the demand for high-purity and scalable raw materials essential for the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA). These raw materials include nucleotides, enzymes, capping reagents, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), all of which play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, efficacy, and manufacturability of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The unprecedented success of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated the transformative potential of mRNA technology, spurring investments in developing treatments for cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Unlike traditional biologics, mRNA-based drugs rely on synthetic raw materials, eliminating the need for complex cell culture systems and enabling rapid scalability. The surge in personalized medicine and gene editing therapies has further amplified the demand for high-quality raw materials, as researchers strive to optimize mRNA constructs for enhanced protein expression and immune response modulation. Additionally, the expansion of mRNA-based research beyond vaccines into protein replacement therapies and regenerative medicine has broadened the scope of applications, necessitating stringent quality controls and regulatory-compliant manufacturing processes. As biotechnology companies and CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations) race to optimize cost-effective and high-yield mRNA production, the focus on raw material innovation, purity standards, and supply chain resilience has become more critical than ever. What Are the Key Growth Drivers Propelling the mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market?The growth in the mRNA synthesis raw materials market is driven by several factors, including the expansion of mRNA-based therapeutics, increasing investments in biotechnology R&D, and advancements in raw material purification and formulation technologies. The success of mRNA vaccines has fueled research into new applications, including cancer immunotherapy, rare disease treatments, and protein replacement therapies, all of which require specialized raw materials for optimized expression and stability. The surge in clinical trials involving mRNA-based drugs has also heightened the demand for high-purity nucleotides, enzymatic reagents, and lipid carriers, prompting suppliers to scale up production capabilities. Additionally, the emergence of self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) technologies has opened new avenues for innovation, driving the need for novel raw material compositions. The growing adoption of AI-driven drug design and high-throughput screening in mRNA formulation development has further accelerated the demand for precision-engineered raw materials. Moreover, the global shift toward decentralized vaccine manufacturing and the rise of CDMOs specializing in nucleic acid therapeutics have strengthened the supply chain, enabling faster production and delivery of mRNA precursors. The increasing focus on personalized medicine, where mRNA therapies are tailored to individual patients, has also contributed to market expansion, necessitating custom synthesis of modified nucleotides and lipid carriers. As governments and pharmaceutical companies continue to invest in pandemic preparedness and next-generation vaccines, the demand for high-quality, scalable, and regulatory-compliant mRNA raw materials is expected to witness sustained growth, solidifying their role as a cornerstone of modern Technological Innovations Are Reshaping the mRNA Synthesis Supply Chain?Technological advancements have significantly transformed the synthesis and optimization of raw materials required for mRNA production, paving the way for increased efficiency, scalability, and regulatory compliance. One of the most critical breakthroughs has been the optimization of in vitro transcription (IVT) processes, where enzymatic synthesis using bacteriophage RNA polymerases has been fine-tuned to yield higher mRNA purity with minimal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) contaminants. Improved capping strategies, such as enzymatic capping and co-transcriptional capping using CleanCap technology, have enhanced mRNA stability and translational efficiency. Additionally, innovations in chemically modified nucleotides, such as N1-methylpseudouridine, have significantly reduced immunogenicity while improving therapeutic efficacy. The lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system has also undergone significant advancements, with ionizable lipids being engineered for greater biocompatibility, targeted tissue delivery, and reduced off-target effects. The automation of nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) synthesis and purification has improved batch-to-batch consistency, reducing production bottlenecks and enabling large-scale mRNA manufacturing. Furthermore, the integration of AI-driven predictive modeling in formulation design has facilitated rapid optimization of mRNA constructs for different therapeutic applications. These technological improvements have collectively enhanced mRNA yield, stability, and delivery, ensuring that raw materials meet the growing demands of both research institutions and pharmaceutical Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Capping Agents segment, which is expected to reach US$711.3 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 3.1%. The Nucleotides segment is also set to grow at 2.7% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $467.8 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 4.7% CAGR to reach $380.3 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Aldevron, BioNTech SE, Bio-Synthesis Inc., BOC Sciences, Creative Biogene and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Scope of Study: Type (Capping Agents, Nucleotides, Plasmid DNA, Enzymes, Other Types) Application (Vaccine Production Application, Therapeutics Production Application, Other Applications) End-Use (Biopharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Companies End-Use, CROs & CMOs End-Use, Academic & Research Institutes End-Use) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 278 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.5% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Surge in mRNA Vaccine Development Drives Accelerated Demand for Raw Materials in mRNA Synthesis Expanding Investment in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical R&D Strengthens Market for mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Rising Need for mRNA-Based Therapeutics and Vaccines Expands Market Opportunities for Raw Material Suppliers Technological Advancements in mRNA Synthesis Techniques Propel Demand for High-quality Raw Materials Increasing Government Funding for mRNA Research and Vaccine Development Generates Growth in Raw Material Requirements Expansion of mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity Strengthens Business Case for Scaling Raw Material Production Rising Demand for Personalized Medicine and mRNA Therapies Expands Addressable Market for Synthesis Raw Materials Regulatory Support and Accelerated Approval Processes for mRNA Vaccines Increase Raw Material Procurement and Usage The Rise in Global Health Initiatives and Vaccination Programs Expands the Market for mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Advancements in Raw Material Purification and Synthesis Technologies Drive Efficiency and Cost Reduction in mRNA Production Surge in mRNA-based COVID-19 Vaccine Production Fuels Long-term Demand for mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Growth in Research Institutions and Academic Labs Investing in mRNA Technology Propels Raw Material Demand The Emergence of mRNA Therapies Beyond Vaccines Drives Innovation and Expands the Market for Specialized Raw Materials Increasing Integration of mRNA Synthesis into Cancer Immunotherapy Research Expands Market Opportunity for Raw Materials Expanding Production Facilities for mRNA-Based Products Strengthens Market for Essential Raw Materials in Large-scale Synthesis Rising Demand for RNA Modifications and Specialized Reagents Drives New Opportunities for Raw Material Suppliers Technological Innovation in Nucleotide Synthesis and Purification Enhances the Quality and Availability of mRNA Raw Materials Growing Focus on Sustainable and Cost-effective mRNA Production Methods Expands Market for Raw Materials with Reduced Environmental Impact Increasing Competitive Landscape Among Biopharma Companies Strengthens the Demand for Reliable and High-purity Raw Materials Growing Collaboration Between mRNA Developers and Raw Material Providers Drives Long-term Supply Chain Stability and Innovation FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS |Some of the 42 companies featured in this mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials report Aldevron BioNTech SE Bio-Synthesis Inc. BOC Sciences Creative Biogene CureVac N.V. Eurogentec F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. HONGENE Jena Bioscience GmbH Lucigen Corporation Maravai LifeSciences Merck KGaA Moderna, Inc. New England Biolabs Promega Corporation Sigma-Aldrich (MilliporeSigma) Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. TriLink BioTechnologies Yeasen Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
