The shift from a planned economy to a gradual market-based transition had a profound impact on the space sector. The perestroika era was not only a time of significant scientific advancements and military achievements, but also marked the Soviet Union’s first concerted effort to enter the global space market. This chapter explores the early initiatives of the Soviet military-industrial leadership as they worked to establish an international presence by offering space-related goods and services. It examines the diverse range of Soviet contributions and the strategies employed by these “pioneers” to promote their capabilities in the international space market. Operating in an unfamiliar and rapidly evolving environment, they had to adapt in real time, acquiring essential knowledge and experience to achieve their objectives.