The V-2 was a German ballistic missile developed during World War II. It was the world's first long-range guided ballistic missile, designed by Wernher von Braun and his team. The V-2 could travel at speeds over 3,500 kilometers per hour and reach altitudes of 189 kilometers, making it capable of striking targets far from its launch site. The missile was used by Nazi Germany against Allied cities, causing significant destruction. Its development marked a significant advancement in rocket technology, influencing future space exploration and military missile programs, including those of the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War.