Question

Why were the united states and the soviet union locked in a space race?

Answer 1

Answer:

They both wanted to develop technology to successfully land on the moon.

Answer 2

I think because  

The Space Race was a competition of space exploration between the United States and Soviet Union, which lasted roughly from 1957 to 1975. It involved the efforts to ... After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union became locked in a bitter Cold War of espionage and propaganda. 
I hope this helps any bit tell me If i'm right.