As an expert in the field of space history and rocketry, I have a deep understanding of the evolution of rockets and their role in space exploration. The question of which was the first rocket to be launched is a complex one, with several milestones worth noting. To provide a comprehensive answer, we must consider different criteria for what constitutes a "launch" and the context in which these events occurred.

**The First Liquid-Propellant Rocket: Robert H. Goddard's Achievement**
The first successful launch of a liquid-propellant rocket is widely attributed to Robert H. Goddard. On March 16, 1926, Goddard launched his rocket from a field in Auburn, Massachusetts. This historic event marked a significant step forward in rocket technology, as Goddard's design utilized both liquid fuel and an oxidizer, which allowed for greater control and efficiency compared to solid-fuel rockets. Although the flight was brief, lasting only a few seconds and reaching a height of about 12.5 meters (41 feet), it laid the groundwork for future developments in rocketry[^3^].

**The V-2 Missile: A Milestone in High-Altitude Flight**
The V-2 missile, developed by Germany during World War II, was the first rocket capable of reaching space. It was launched for the first time in 1942. The V-2, or Vergeltungswaffe 2, was a long-range ballistic missile that could reach an altitude of 189 kilometers (118 miles), which is above the Kármán line, the point generally recognized as the boundary of space. However, it was not designed for scientific purposes but rather as a weapon of war[^4^].

The R-7 Rocket and the Space Race
The first rocket to launch an object into space was the R-7, which was used by the Soviet Union to launch Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, on October 4, 1957. This event marked the beginning of the space age and the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States. The R-7 was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) adapted for space launch, demonstrating the dual-use nature of rocket technology[^1^].

**The Space Shuttle and Private Spaceflight**
Later developments in rocketry include the Space Shuttle, launched by NASA in April 1981. The Space Shuttle was a reusable spacecraft designed to ferry astronauts and cargo to and from low Earth orbit. It played a crucial role in the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and was a symbol of the increased accessibility to space[^1^].

In more recent times, private companies have made significant strides in space exploration. SpaceX, for example, launched its Falcon 9 rocket in December 2010, marking the first private launch into Earth orbit[^1^]. This achievement highlighted the growing role of private enterprise in space exploration and the potential for commercial space travel.

Conclusion
The history of rocket launches is a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring quest to explore the cosmos. From Goddard's pioneering work to the present day, each launch has built upon the achievements of those that came before, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and opening up new frontiers for discovery.

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The first rocket which could fly high enough to get into space was the V2 missile which was first launched by Germany in 1942. The first rocket which actually launched something into space was used to launch Sputnik, the first satellite, on October 4, 1957. The rocket that launched Sputnik was a R-7 ICBM rocket.read more >>