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.

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Etymology

Origin of space race

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Meanwhile, an interplanetary space race between the U.S.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

California has been at the forefront of the modern-day space race.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Away from Earth, the space race will equally continue at speed, journalist and co-host of the Space Boffins podcast Sue Nelson told the BBC.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

With the US government desperate to gain a foothold in the space race, Langley now could open its garage door and display its wares for the world to see.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly