Vietnam Space Week 2026 at UEH: Advancing Dialogue on the Space Economy and Inspiring Space Exploration

02 Jun, 2026

On May 31, 2026, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the Organizing Committee of Vietnam Space Week 2026, hosted two flagship events in Ho Chi Minh City: the Space Economy Dialogue titled "Fly Me to the Moon: Where Space Meets Business" and the Real Space Talk program, "Fly Me to the Moon: A NASA Astronaut Shares Stories from Space." Together, these events brought the space economy into the public spotlight in Vietnam while inspiring the academic community, businesses, students, and science enthusiasts through discussions on science, technology, and innovation.

Space Economy: From space science to a driver of innovation

Vietnam Space Week 2026 is co-organized by the Saigon Times Foundation, the Innovation Services Center (ISC), and STEAMzone, with UEH serving as the Strategic Partner. Following its inaugural edition in 2023, this year's program returned under the theme "Fly Me to the Moon" and the message "The Sky Is No Longer the Limit," expanding its focus from STEM education and science inspiration to strategic dialogue on Vietnam's space economy.

Overview of the program

Mr. Huynh Thanh Dat, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Communication and Mass Mobilization and former Minister of Science and Technology, delivers the opening remarks at the Space Economy Dialogue

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, emphasized that the global space economy is experiencing rapid growth. Space is no longer solely the domain of space science or aerospace technology; it has become a driving force for innovation, digital data, advanced technologies, sustainable development, and future business models. For Vietnam, the space economy presents opportunities to strengthen technological capabilities, develop high-quality human resources, foster innovation, and create new momentum for sustainable growth in the new era.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, delivers remarks at the event

A forum connecting policy, academia, business, and education

The Space Economy Dialogue brought together diverse perspectives from policymakers, researchers, businesses, and educational institutions. Discussions focused on global trends in the space economy, the roles of satellite data, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, Earth observation, smart agriculture, logistics, technology commercialization, and Vietnam's potential participation in the global space value chain.

A central question raised during the forum was: How can Vietnam participate in the space economy without necessarily possessing advantages in rocket technology or launch infrastructure? According to the experts, opportunities for developing countries lie not only in spacecraft manufacturing but also in downstream activities such as satellite data utilization, application development, artificial intelligence, software, digital services, and technology commercialization.

During the dialogue, Mr. Michael Koetsier, a space economy expert from the United Kingdom, emphasized the importance of skills and human capital within today's space value chain. His message that "the most valuable launch system of the future will not be a rocket, but a graduate" introduced a new perspective: in the space economy, human capital can become strategic infrastructure alongside technology and data.

Mr. Michael Koetsier presents the United Kingdom's experience in developing the space economy

Dr. Josef Schmid also broadened perspectives on the space sector by emphasizing that it extends far beyond aerospace engineers and astronauts. Behind every space mission are contributions from medicine, data science, education, business, public policy, and communications. This perspective aligns closely with UEH's vision as a multidisciplinary, innovation-driven university that connects academia, industry, and emerging sectors.

Speakers and guests exchange perspectives during the Space Economy Dialogue

Real Space Talk: Inspiring discovery through stories from space

Following the morning dialogue, the Real Space Talk program took place in the afternoon with the participation of former NASA astronaut Michael A. Baker, Dr. Josef Schmid, international experts, distinguished guests, university students, and high school students.

The program offered authentic stories about space missions, life in orbit, humanity's journey of space exploration, and the human experiences behind scientific and technological achievements.

Overview of the Real Space Talk program at Hall A116

In his welcoming remarks, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, shared that space exploration represents more than technological achievement; it embodies curiosity, perseverance, creativity, and the courage to push beyond known boundaries. More importantly, stories from space have the power to inspire younger generations to dream bigger, think differently, and imagine new possibilities for the future.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, shares his remarks

One of the program's most memorable moments came when former NASA astronaut Michael A. Baker walked onto the stage wearing his iconic blue flight suit while carrying a woven bamboo basket filled with Vietnamese mangoes and vegetables. This simple yet meaningful image conveyed a powerful message: space is not distant, but can begin with the familiar elements of everyday life.

During the session, Mr. Michael A. Baker shared stories from his spaceflight experiences, describing the sensation of weightlessness and the view of Earth from an altitude of 400 kilometers. He also reflected on more than 40 days spent in orbit across four Space Shuttle missions, including STS-81, a landmark mission in U.S.–Russia space cooperation that helped lay the foundation for the International Space Station (ISS). Drawing from these experiences, he highlighted lessons on responsibility, adaptability, teamwork, and the determination to push beyond one's own limits.

Michael A. Baker, veteran NASA astronaut, former Space Shuttle commander, and pioneer in the development of the International Space Station (ISS), shares his experiences during the program

Dr. Josef Schmid, NASA Aerospace Medicine specialist, discussed space medicine and the future of technology in space missions, highlighting the 2021 "holoportation" experiment conducted aboard the ISS, which enabled astronauts in orbit to interact with people on Earth through mixed reality technology. Beyond technological advancements, he also emphasized the importance of mental well-being and personal motivation during long-duration space missions.

Dr. Josef Schmid discusses hologram technology and the future of space medicine

Inspiring curiosity and connecting the science community

During the interactive session, the speakers answered numerous questions from university students, high school students, and attendees on topics ranging from the experience of weightlessness and daily life aboard the ISS to opportunities for Vietnamese citizens to participate in the space sector. They also shared advice on lifelong learning, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and nurturing a lasting passion for scientific discovery.

University and high school students engage with the international speakers during the Real Space Talk session

As UEH celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, the University continues to pursue its commitment to "Together for a More Sustainable Future" by expanding learning opportunities and strengthening connections that enable learners and the broader community to engage with global ideas, emerging industries, and inspiring real-world experiences.

With the message "The Sky Is No Longer the Limit," Vietnam Space Week 2026 at UEH not only broadened perspectives on the space economy, artificial intelligence, space technologies, and STEM education but also inspired younger generations to continue exploring knowledge, technology, and the limitless opportunities of the future.