space race 
noun (the space race)
The competition between nations regarding achievements in the field of space exploration.Dwight Eisenhower's second term is best remembered for the Soviet Union pulling ahead in the space race with Sputnik and the downing of a U.S. spy plane over Soviet territory....
- Just as the launch of Sputnik changed the space race, this surprise announcement is being viewed as a setback for American science.
- The rocket was later modified to boost two astronauts in Gemini capsules into orbit during the space race.