The A-4 rocket, also known as the V-2 rocket, was the world's first long-range guided ballistic missile. Developed during World War II by Wernher von Braun and his team in Germany, it was designed to carry explosive warheads over great distances. The A-4 was powered by a liquid-fuel engine and could reach altitudes of over 180 kilometers. The A-4 rocket was launched from mobile platforms and had a range of approximately 320 kilometers. Its development marked a significant advancement in rocket technology, influencing future space exploration and military missile systems. The A-4 laid the groundwork for later programs, including the NASA space missions.