The V-2 rocket (German: Vergeltungswaffe 2, also known as the A4) was the world's first long-range ballistic missile. Developed by Wernher von Braun's team at Peenemunde, it was used by Germany during World War II against mostly British and Belgian targets.
Pre-Operational History
As early as 1927, members of the German Rocket Society had started experimenting with liquid-fueled rockets. By 1932 the Reichswehr started taking notice of their developments for potential long-range artillery. The A4 rocket, later designated V-2, made its first successful test flight on October 3, 1942, becoming the first man-made object to reach space.
Operational History
The first V-2 was launched operationally against Paris on September 8, 1944, followed by attacks on London the same day. Unlike the V-1, the V-2 traveled at supersonic speed, giving no warning of its approach. Over 3,000 V-2s were launched, killing approximately 7,250 military and civilian personnel.
Technical Details
V-2 Specifications
Post-War Legacy
After the war, V-2 technology and personnel were captured by both the US (Operation Paperclip) and the Soviet Union. Wernher von Braun went on to lead the American space program, while captured V-2s formed the basis of early American and Soviet rocket development, ultimately leading to the Space Race.