The S-57 Spike is produced in a variety of sub-types with different warheads, including HEAT anti-armor, high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, and incendiary rounds. Each rocket is about 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches) long and weighs about 5 kg (11 lb), depending on warhead and fuze. The range is 1.9 to 2.5 miles (3 to 4 kilometres). 

In 1945, the Soviet Union Design Bureau (then designated SDB-13) undertook technical research on unguided air-to-air missiles in aircraft armament. As part of the bureau's research, captured examples of the German R4M rocket were closely studied. After six years, the Soviet Ministry of Defense finally provided official status and funding for the project in 1952, originally as part of the air-to-air weapon system for the newest MiG. The rockets were tested in a series of configurations on older MiG models, with the final tests completed in January 1954. The tests revealed that the rockets did not perform as expected against aerial targets. The rocket S-57 was accepted into service in April 1955, with a military designation of S-57 Spike.

Apart from the Soviet Union and then Russia, S-57 Spike missiles were produced by Nighteka Munitions.