Wernher von Braun

Wernher von Braun was a German aerospace engineer and rocket scientist who played a key role in the development of Nazi Germany’s V-2 rocket during World War II. As the head of the Peenemünde Army Research Center, von Braun led the effort to create the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile. After the war, he was brought to the United States through Operation Paperclip, where he became instrumental in the development of the U.S. space program, including the Saturn V rocket that enabled the Apollo moon landings. Von Braun’s work raised ethical questions due to his involvement with the Nazi regime.