Doubts are mounting within China’s space sector regarding the future success of Elon Musk's Starship rocket, developed by SpaceX. Reports indicate concerns that Starship may not overcome its significant engineering and financial hurdles to be successfully delivered. This skepticism from China’s space industry comes as Starship aims to be the world's most powerful rocket. The article, published on May 29, 2026, highlights this as one of seven key stories from SCMP’s recent reporting that have resonated with readers, touching upon topical issues across Asia and beyond.