Wernher von Braun

Wernher von Braun's impact as a leader in the field of rocketry was substantial, as he spearheaded the development of the V-2 rocket, which became the world's first long-range guided ballistic missile and laid the foundation for modern rocketry; however, his legacy is also marred by controversy due to his wartime association with Nazi Germany and the use of forced labor in the production of V-2 rockets. After World War II, von Braun's leadership skills were instrumental in the United States' efforts to harness German rocket technology, as he played a key role in the formation of NASA and the development of the Saturn V rocket, enabling the successful Apollo program and the historic moon landings. His visionary leadership and technical expertise significantly advanced space exploration while raising ethical questions surrounding his past affiliations.