USSR during the Cold War

Answer

The Space Race

The space race is the Cold War period between the two great powers, the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR), when each country sought to prove the superiority of its technology, military firepower, and political-economic system. To prove their superiority, the nations set their eyes on the stars, moon, and other heavenly bodies, each trying to send their men into space (Bhattacherjee et al 2019). The countries viewed technological superiority as necessary for national security and symbolic of ideological power. Additionally, technological superiority would threaten the other nations, preventing any other attacks after World War II. In addition to the importance of the space race during the cold war, it is still relevant in the 21^st century. Space exploration has led to the development of technologies that feeds back into the economy and improve humans' lives on Earth. The technologies used inaccurate weather predictions, and the ultraviolet filters in sunglasses and cameras used today are space exploration products (Bhattacherjee et al., 2019). Furthermore, solar cells used in the provision of electric power are technological developments realized in space exploration.

Despite the high costs incurred in space exploration and considering the growing debts, space exploration is worth the price. The technologies developed in space exploration would eventually contribute to the economy by providing solutions to different problems experienced on Earth. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite program developed by space explorers, is essential in an accurate geographical location saving civil users and the military from losing direction. Companies have adopted technologies developed by space exploration, making production easier and efficient (Rai et al, 2016). Furthermore, there are many kinds of research done in space in different sectors to improve the sectors. In the medical industry, for example, there is ongoing research to search for the cure of some terminal diseases. Therefore, space exploration could save lives in the success of the study.

Under the administration of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the space program is of great benefit to the U.S. national economy and the world at large.  The National Aeronautics and Space Administration strengthens the U.S. economy by engaging manufacturing industries, and advancing emerging technologies, thereby achieving its science and technological priorities (Rai et al, 2016). Additionally, the space program spurs innovation and business growth in the U.S. economy. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration provides thousands of newly innovated products and services to industries for commercial use and, in the process, creating new jobs and revenue. Furthermore, the space program offers a unique perspective of humanity’s place in the Universe and satisfies human curiosity to understand the nature of the Universe. Lastly, the space program has inspired further exploration and scientific inquiry worldwide by providing public interest and a trusted scientific information source in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (Rai et al, 2016).

Even though the space race was between two nations during the cold war, it has become a way many countries use to gain prestige and political advantage and provide military and scientific benefits, thereby becoming a domain of the worlds’ leading nations (Board et al, 2019). The International Space Station (ISS) is the only permanent manned station currently; however, many other countries, including China, India, Russia, and Iran, have vowed to develop their manned space programs. Additionally, space exploration has become essential for business, research, and operations for the countries, and thus each country wants to compete in it to show its technological superiority.