V-2 rocket

The V-2 rocket, developed in Nazi Germany as the Aggregat-4 (A4), was the first practical modern ballistic missile and suborbital launch vehicle. From September 1944, the Wehrmacht launched more than 3,000 against Allied targets, including London, Antwerp and Liège. The weapon caused major loss of life, including among forced laborers and concentration camp prisoners involved in production. Captured V-2 technology later influenced ballistic missile and spaceflight development.

Development name

Aggregat-4 (A4)

First spaceflight

MW 18014 vertical launch, 20 June 1944

Wartime launches

More than 3,000 from September 1944