Source: Hulton Archive / Archive Photos via Getty Images
6. Warheads split off
During the terminal phase, the ICBM is still preparing itself for detonation on the target. As the payload plunges to Earth, the warhead breaks off from the final rocket booster. Some ICBMs have multiple warheads that can split off independently of one another. In some cases, each warhead is able to set different trajectories.
Source: Ira Wyman / Sygma via Getty Images
7. Thrusters aim weapons
Some ICBMs utilize rocket thrusters during the terminal phase. These are used to guide the warheads more precisely towards the target.
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Source: Bill Morson / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
8. Weapons are armed
Warheads are sometimes armed on the way down to their targets. In some cases, the missiles have on-board computers that will not activate the arming sequence unless the missile is on the correct course.
Source: Junko Kimura / Getty Images News via Getty Images
9. Detonation
ICBMs can detonate their payload either in the air just above the target or upon hitting the ground. These missiles can carry warheads with payloads up to 25 megatons of TNT equivalent. Depending on the warhead yield, it could destroy an area of well over 100 square miles.
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