R-7
Soviet ICBM-derived orbital launcher
The first thing humans ever put in orbit rode an R-7 — Sputnik 1 in October 1957. The same basic design, with steady refinement, became Soyuz: the original R-7 flew its last flight in 1967, but its descendants are still launching crews today.
Service 1957–1967
1957 to 1967
1957 first flight 1959 peak (16 launches) 1967 last flight
- launches
- 54
- success · 42/54
- 78%
R-7 Launch Activity
Past launches and what's coming up
- Dec 14 1965Dec 14 1965
- Dec 21 1965Dec 21 1965
- May 27 1966May 27 1966
- Jun 25 1966Jun 25 1966
- Jul 25 1967Jul 25 1967
- Retired 1967
Full Launch History
Select a year to explore the archive