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A '''ballistic missile''' is a [[missile]] which gets out of the earth's atmosphere and into space; its path is not strictly considered an orbit but is more of an arch.<ref>"After launch, a ballistic missiles arches up from one point, and lands at another point. [http://www.missilethreat.com/overview/pageID.154/default.asp What is a Ballistic Missile?]</ref>

A '''ballistic missile''' is a [[missile]] which gets out of the earth's atmosphere and into space. Although the missile does exit the earth's atmosphere, it does not reach a sufficient altitude and angle to orbit. Rather, it returns to earth, completing the arch of its ballistic trajectory.<ref>"After launch, a ballistic missiles arches up from one point, and lands at another point. [http://www.missilethreat.com/overview/pageID.154/default.asp What is a Ballistic Missile?]</ref>

Most ballistic missiles are ground-to-ground based, although they can also be launched from sea-based platforms (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile). Some have enough range to reach another continent; see [[Intercontinental ballistic missile]] (ICBM).  

Most ballistic missiles are ground-to-ground based, although they can also be launched from sea-based platforms (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile). Some have enough range to reach another continent; these are known as [[Intercontinental ballistic missile]]s (ICBMs).  

Ballistic missiles were first developed by the Germans during World War II.  

Ballistic missiles were first developed by the Germans during World War II.  

Some ICBMs carry [[nuclear warhead]]s.  

Many ICBMs carry [[nuclear warhead]]s, although traditional explosives are also commonly used in this weapon.

==See also==

==See also==

[[Category:Missiles]]

[[Category:Missiles]]

[[Category:Military Strategies and Concepts]]

[[Category:Military Strategies and Concepts]]