space race

American  

[speys reys] / ˈspeɪs ˌreɪs /

noun

1. a Cold War rivalry in which the United States and the Soviet Union competed for primacy in space exploration, beginning with the Soviet launch of the artificial satellite Sputnik I on October 4, 1957, and effectively ending with the moon landing of the U.S. manned module Eagle on July 20, 1969.

---

Etymology

Origin of space race

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Past installments have seen the hippos found a power company, join the space race and tank the stock market.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Those budget cuts have Mirmina questioning the U.S.’s chances of winning the new space race and retaining highly knowledgeable personnel.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The "space race" with the Soviet Union also boosted interest, her husband John added.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

During the Cold War space race with the Soviets, the point of getting to the Moon was almost entirely geopolitical.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Besides, the space race was about a lot more than bragging rights.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin