Ballistic missile

A ballistic missile is a guided weapon that is launched into a high, arching trajectory, known as a ballistic path, primarily powered during the initial phase of launch. After that, it follows gravity under its own inertia, with no powered control, until it reaches its target area. These missiles are often used to deliver large payloads, such as nuclear or conventional warheads, over long distances. Their key characteristic is that most of their flight occurs outside the atmosphere, making them different from aircraft or cruise missiles that stay within or fly through the atmosphere the entire time.