Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are designed to travel vast distances, potentially reaching any continent on Earth. But How Fast Do Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Travel, and what factors influence their speed and trajectory? This article delves into the mechanics of ICBM flight, exploring the different phases and the incredible speeds they attain.
ICBMs typically launch from ground-based devices, journey into space, and then re-enter Earth’s atmosphere before striking their target. Although no country has launched an ICBM in an act of war, several nations conduct test launches. These tests, like those of North Korea, can cause international concern.
North Korean missile launch
An ICBM follows a parabolic trajectory, similar to a baseball thrown through the air. North Korean tests often involve launching missiles almost vertically to limit their range. Philip Coyle, a senior science advisor with The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, explained that these missiles ascend against gravity and land a relatively short distance away, often on the other side of Japan, causing alarm. For an actual attack, an ICBM would be launched towards its target, covering thousands of miles. The Hwasong-15, for instance, could travel over 8,100 miles (13,000 km) with a standard trajectory, despite only traveling 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) during a test.
The distance an ICBM can travel is affected by its payload, such as a nuclear warhead, which adds weight and reduces range.
The Three Phases of ICBM Flight
The flight of an ICBM can be broken down into three distinct phases: boost phase, midcourse phase, and terminal phase.
Boost Phase
The boost phase is the initial stage, lasting approximately 2 to 5 minutes. During this phase, powerful rockets propel the ICBM into the atmosphere and then into space. ICBMs can have multiple rocket stages, each ejecting after its fuel is depleted.
ICBM rocket stages
These rockets use either liquid or solid propellants. Liquid propellants generally offer a longer burn time, while solid propellants provide faster energy release. While both types can propel rockets equally far, liquid propellant technology is more established, while solid propellant is favored for its faster burn times and reduced hazards associated with handling dangerous liquids.
Midcourse Phase
In the midcourse phase, the ICBM travels through space on a ballistic trajectory. Here, how fast do intercontinental ballistic missiles travel? According to Coyle, they can reach speeds of 15,000 to 17,000 mph (24,140 to 27,360 km/h). This incredible speed is possible due to the absence of air resistance in space. Some ICBMs use star tracking technology to orient themselves toward their target during this phase.
Terminal Phase
The final phase is the terminal phase, where the ICBM re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere and descends towards its target. Rocket thrusters may be used for final adjustments. However, the intense heat generated during re-entry poses a significant challenge. Without proper heat shields, the ICBM can burn up and disintegrate. The entire trajectory for the Hwasong-15 test lasted 54 minutes.
ICBM reentry
ICBMs in the World
Several countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and India, possess ICBMs. Although these missiles have been tested extensively, they have never been used in an actual attack. The potential consequences of using ICBMs, namely all-out nuclear war, serve as a deterrent.
In conclusion, the speed of an ICBM is dependent on the phase of its journey. In the midcourse phase, they can reach speeds of 15,000 to 17,000 mph. While they represent a significant threat, their existence also underscores the delicate balance of global security and the devastating consequences of their use.
