Final answer:
The U.S. and Soviet space programs were fueled by Cold War tensions through a competition in technological and ideological supremacy, the development of ICBMs, and the race to achieve space exploration milestones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. and Soviet space programs were significantly fueled by Cold War tensions through technological competition. During the Cold War era, both superpowers vied for supremacy in various fields, including the strategic development of nuclear weapons and space exploration. This competition was part of the larger geopolitical conflict, as each nation sought to affirm its ideological and technological dominance over the other. The rivalry kicked into high gear when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first satellite. This event triggered the United States to establish NASA and advance its own space program. The contention continued as each nation celebrated its respective achievements as proof of its system's superiority. The space race also saw a significant acceleration in technological development and innovations that would have lasting impacts on science and engineering. The arms race was inextricably linked to the space race, as improvements in missile technology were crucial for space exploration. Each side worked fervently to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could potentially deliver nuclear payloads. These advancements later translated into the technology required for putting a man into space and exploring the celestial bodies.