The Download: computing's bright young minds, and cleaning up satellite streaks

Each year, MIT Technology Review honors 35 outstanding people under the age of 35 who are driving scientific progress and solving tough problems in their fields. Today we want to introduce you to the computing innovators on the list who are coming up with new AI chips and specialized datasets--along with smart ideas about how to assess advanced systems for safety. Earlier this year, the $800 million Vera Rubin Observatory commenced its decade-long quest to create an extremely detailed time-lapse movie of the universe. Rubin is capable of capturing many more stars than any other astronomical observatory ever built; it also sees many more satellites. Up to 40% of images captured by the observatory within its first 10 years of operation will be marred by their sunlight-reflecting streaks. Meredith Rawls, a research scientist at the telescope's flagship observation project, Vera Rubin's Legacy Survey of Space and Time, is one of the experts tasked with protecting Rubin's science mission from the satellite blight.