China’s rare earth weakness, new rocket to rival SpaceX: 7 science highlightsFrom China unveiling microwave weapons to top neurobiologist leaving US, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenPublished: 12:30pm, 15 Jul 2026Updated: 1:10pm, 15 Jul 2026We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. China’s satellite engine smashes record, leaves US rival far behindA communications satellite equipped with the 750 newton test engine takes off from the Wenchang launch site in southern China on board a modified version of the Long March-7 rocket on June 23. Photo: XinhuaSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x