However, the fear of communism heightened when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I in 1957. Responding to the fears, President Dwight D. Eisenhower bumped up government spending on roads and projects such as the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1954 and 1956, which aimed at national defense as well as showing off American technological capabilities, but Eisenhower recognized that entering a space exploration race with the Soviet Union would be the only way to contain Communism. Throughout the Space Race, the fear of communism in the US continued to drive technological innovation, as evidenced by legislation such as the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, which established NASA in response to the Soviet Union's early successes in space exploration. The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union not only spurred advancements in aerospace engineering, medicine, and other fields but also reflected America's determination to demonstrate its technological prowess against the perceived communist …show more content…
The space race's lasting impact on society is far beyond space itself. It lit a wave of unparalleled technological innovation and scientific exploration that has reshaped human history. The Space Race stands as a testament to human persistence and collective ambition. The technologies developed during this period, from different space distances to satellite communications, have revolutionized countless aspects of modern life and transformed all of the modern society around us. Moreover, the space race emerged as a pivotal point, breaking down barriers and racing in the pursuit of space exploration. The inclusion of minorities in STEM fields not only expanded knowledge but also challenged people's societal norms, paving the way for greater diversity in the STEM fields. However, with these changes, knowing what remains unchanged throughout the US is important. The fear of communism persisted throughout the space race, shaping government politics. The legacy of the Space Race continues to inspire amazement and mystery, demonstrating the everlasting drive for exploration and the possibilities of human