The V-2 rocket, developed by the German engineer Wernher von Braun, was a pioneering step in rocketry and space travel. By achieving an altitude of 85 kilometers (46 nautical miles) during testing on October 3, 1942, the rocket surpassed previous records and provided crucial data for the advancement of missile technology. This launch took place at the Peenemünde Army Research Center on the Baltic Sea, where extensive work on ballistic missile technology was conducted. The V-2 was no ordinary weapon; it was the world's first long-range guided ballistic missile, serving as a precursor for future space exploration. Its development was born out of the need for advanced weapons during World War II, exemplifying Germany’s technological ambitions and military innovation.

During the test, the V-2 demonstrated its capability to reach sub-orbital flight long before the concept of space travel was fully conceptualized. The rocket utilized a liquid-fueled engine and was designed to carry explosives for military purposes. However, its eventual influence extended beyond wartime applications, as the technology laid the foundation for space exploration in the subsequent decades. The successful launch was a significant milestone not just for Germany but for mankind's understanding of rocket science.

In the findings from these tests, engineers and scientists analyzed data on aerodynamics, propulsion, and guidance systems. Following the war, many of the scientists and engineers associated with the V-2 program, including von Braun, would emigrate to the United States, leading to significant advancements in rocket technology and space exploration. The V-2's legacy can be traced directly to subsequent missions to the Moon and beyond, showcasing the far-reaching implications of this successful test.