The answer is Dwight Eisenhower. When the Russians launched Sputnik in 1957, they were received world praise for their achievement and it gave them the edge in space exploration. This prompted Eisenhower to start a nationwide campaign to finance space exploration but also on science as well as education. It also led to the creation of NASA and the signing of the scientific education law and developing better relations with American scientists. It can be said that it was under his administration gave top priority to the space race.