Who were the two main competitors in the space race?

The two main competitors in the space race were the United States and the Soviet Union. This rivalry was a significant aspect of the Cold War, with each nation striving to demonstrate technological and ideological superiority. Key milestones included the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the U.S. landing on the Moon in 1969. The space race fueled advancements in space exploration and technology for both countries.