Science & Technology — October 20, 2026

Japan launches Phobos sample mission. Japan's MMX spacecraft launched toward Mars' moon Phobos, aiming to return the first samples from the Martian system, with a 2029 landing and 2031 return.

Space.com · Read more →

Pennsylvania issues congenital measles alert. Health officials warned of congenital measles, a potentially fatal condition not seen in the U.S. for decades; survivors require years of monitoring.

Ars Technica · Read more →

Amazon funds 12 nuclear reactors. Amazon and X-energy will deploy 12 small reactors at a former Indiana coal plant, generating nearly a gigawatt of power as AI drives energy demand.

TechCrunch · Read more →

Accused OpenAI spy held without bail. A federal judge denied bail Monday for Abdulrahman Alfozan, accused of planting a recording device at OpenAI. Prosecutors cited considerable Saudi government support and recent contact with a Saudi royal.

The detention order followed a hearing in which prosecutors argued Alfozan posed a flight risk, pointing to backing from the Saudi government, which according to CNBC offered to pay in connection with his release. Prosecutors also cited his recent contact with a Saudi royal. The device he is accused of planting was allegedly placed in an executive conference room at OpenAI, where sensitive company discussions take place.

CNBC Top News · Read more →