The statement that offers the best description is that they were battling on us territory which makes it easier for americans.
Greg Heffley as he attempts both to deal with his Grandpa's moving in, and dealing without modern comforts while attending Hardscrabble Farm. Greg gets roped into volunteering at the park as well. is the answer to the question
Aside from a general curiosity about space, the United States wanted to go to space because the Russians were trying to get there too, and we were in a "cold" war with them.