The Download: introducing the Impossible issue
MIT Technology Review's 'Impossible' issue explores audacious scientific endeavors, ranging from synthetic blood and lunar cities to running large language models on lunar rovers. The newsletter also touches on climate feedback effects in Alaska and Starlink satellite operations.
Why it matters
Showcases cutting-edge innovations and long-term scientific research aimed at solving extreme technological challenges.
Plus: Elon Musk reportedly ordered the recent Starlink slowdown in Ukraine.
This is today's edition of The Download , our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology.
We wanted our last print edition of 2026 to include a slate of stories that check in on impossible ideas. Why? Because it’s fun to dream about living on other planets or uploading our brains. But also because scientists and engineers who won’t give up on daring endeavors remind us what technology is supposed to do: make life better, safer, healthier, even more joyful.
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