My first exposure came from a relation of Werner von Braun witnessing a V2 launch or test. In one of the rare instances where von Braun did care where they come down,[1] he observed that the bearing to the rocket was constant -- that is, its course would bring it directly to his location.

He avoided death by diving into a ditch, if I recall. I think the story was told by Arthur C. Clarke.

I'd later encounter the concept in sailing training.

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Notes:

1. Allusion: Tom Lehrer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjDEsGZLbio