This is a student project created for a United States History class. The posts in this blog are of historical nature about a specific event in U.S. History. This blog deals with The Space Race and the Apollo Moon Landing. This is not meant to be expert scholarship and there may be errors. This is a first attempt at learning something in more depth. There has been a genuine effort to properly cite all pictures, quotes, information gathered in this research project. For a list of sources see the final blog.
Test for the R-7A were done from December 1959 to July 1960, and it was commissioned in September 1960.
http://digital-lifestyles.info/copy_images/R-7-semyorka-rocket-lg.jpg
Date: 1953-1968
The R-7 Semyorka is considered to be world’s first ICBM, created by scientists from the USSR. This missile would eventually be used to launch Sputnik into space.
Preliminary sketches and designs were done in 1953. By July of 1954, the design was completed (USSR Military). It was approved by the Council of Ministers of the USSR on November 20, 1954. “On March 20, 1956 the decree allowing the testing of the R-7 missile and providing measures to assist the missile's development was issued” (USSR Military).
One of the features of the R-7 was its guidance system. An internal section of the missile controlled altitude, flight path, and fuel consumption (USSR Military). For better aim and accuracy, the missile had an integrated radio guidance system as well. This allowed the missile to travel farther without losing sight of its target. For the radio control to be effective, radio stations had to be installed far away from the launching station. Though this might have become a hassle, it is something that would be very effective.
From May 1957 to November 1959, flight tests were done (USSR Military). The missile was later commissioned on January 20, 1960. It was fully deployed by 1962 “During the testing of the R-7, the Council of Ministers published a decree on July 2, 1958 that called for an updated version with higher performance specifications”, (USSR Military). This later updated version of the R-7 would be called the R-7A. Its engines were more powerful, and it was capable to holding more fuel. An internal ranged guidance system was introduced, without requiring radio centers. This decreased the range of the missile.
Though the R-7 was not useful as a weapon, it would set the way for space launch vehicles in the future.
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