IⅡ.The Arms Race In 1957,the Soviet Union launched two Sputniks into the orbit, demonstrating that they had the capability to carry the bombs to the United States.(Right:Sputnik 1) II. The Arms Race In 1957, the Soviet Union launched two Sputniks into the orbit, demonstrating that they had the capability to carry the bombs to the United States. (Right: Sputnik 1)