Hmm, are you asking about the kit or the rocket itself? Coincidentally, I have a study of the soviet strategic weapons program here with me...
"The R-7 missile was not only the first intercontinental missile in the world, but also its first space launch vehicle. The world's first artificial satellites, the PS-1 and PS-2 were launched into orbit during the tests of that missile on 4 October and 3 November 1957..."
R-7s were developed in the 50's, and deployed until the late 60's. They had poor accuracy and poor ability to react an emergency alert. They were also grouped around central launching facilities versus the later silo system.