A missile that follows a ballistic trajectory after its engine burns out, guided by gravity. It is launched at a steep angle and travels through space before descending to its target.
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Trajectory
The curved path followed by a ballistic missile through the air and space under the influence of gravity and initial velocity.
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Boost Phase
The first stage of a ballistic missile's flight when its engines are firing and accelerating the weapon toward its target. This phase typically lasts a few minutes.
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Midcourse Phase
The longest phase of ballistic missile flight where the warhead coasts through space following a predictable arc toward its target without powered propulsion.
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Terminal Phase
The final stage of ballistic missile flight when the warhead re-enters the atmosphere and descends toward its target, typically lasting a few minutes.
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Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
A long-range ballistic missile capable of traveling over 5,500 kilometers to strike targets on another continent. ICBMs are strategic nuclear weapons.
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Warhead
The explosive payload carried by a ballistic missile, which can be conventional or nuclear. It separates from the missile and descends to the target.
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Launch Vehicle
The rocket-like structure that propels a ballistic missile into flight, typically consisting of multiple stages that burn sequentially and fall away.
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Guidance System
The navigation technology that directs a ballistic missile toward its target, using inertial guidance, GPS, or other positioning systems.
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Reentry Vehicle
The heat-resistant capsule containing the warhead that re-enters Earth's atmosphere during the terminal phase and survives the extreme temperatures of descent.