What does ballistic missile meanWhat is the difference between a ballistic missile and a normal missile?

A ballistic missile is a missile, usually without wings, that can only maintain a predetermined, unchangeable course after burning fuel, and whose subsequent course is governed by the laws of ballistics. In order to cover large distances, ballistic missiles must be launched very high into the air or space for suborbital cosmic flights; for intercontinental missiles, the midcourse altitude is about 1,200 kilometers. When in space, no thrust is provided and the missile is in free fall.

A ballistic missile is a missile, usually without wings, that can only maintain a predetermined, unalterable course after burning fuel; subsequent courses are governed by the laws of ballistics. In order to cover large distances, ballistic missiles must be launched very high into the air or space for suborbital cosmic flights; for intercontinental missiles, the midcourse altitude is about 1,200 kilometers. When in space, no thrust is provided and the missile does free fall.

The opposite concept to ballistic missiles is cruise missiles, which can control their own trajectory.

Medium- and long-range ballistic missiles are often used to deliver nuclear warheads because they can carry payloads that make it difficult to ensure that conventional weapons are effective in destroying their targets, and the high heat generated by the warhead's re-entry into the atmosphere tends to neutralize chemical and biological weapons as well.

Many advanced ballistic missiles are propelled by multistage rockets, and their orbits can be adjusted over a range.

Ballistic missiles vary greatly in range and purpose, and are generally categorized according to their range.