Wernher Magnus Maximilian von Braun, commonly known as Wernher von Braun, was a German-born rocket scientist who played a key role in the development of rocket technology during World War II and afterward. He is most commonly associated with the development of the V-2 rocket, which was used by Nazi Germany against Allied targets in Europe. After the war, von Braun surrendered to the Allies and worked for the United States government, eventually becoming a citizen. He helped develop the Saturn V rocket, which was used by NASA in the Apollo program to send astronauts to the moon. Synonyms for von Braun might include rocket scientist, aerospace engineer, or space pioneer.