When the control computer has decided the best time to launch, it tells a launcher to fire a missile or missiles - typically two might be fired at a target in rapid succession because one alone does not guarantee a hit.

BBC: Fact file: Patriot missile defence

On September 3rd, Japan said it believed North Korea planned to fire a second missile.

ECONOMIST: North Korea

This week, India announced it will soon fire a new missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads across much of Asia and the Middle East.

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On transporter erector-launchers, they simply erect it, fire off a ballistic missile, put it down, cover it up.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Get On With It: Time To Deploy Sea-Based Missile Defenses

South Korean officials have also said the North is poised to test-fire a medium-range missile capable of reaching the American territory of Guam.

NPR: North Korea Sets Preconditions For Talks' Restart

Two British pilots were killed Sunday when their Tornado GR4 aircraft was shot down by a U.S. Patriot missile in a friendly fire incident.

CNN: British soldier killed in combat

U.S. officials believe the North is preparing to test fire a medium-range "Musudan" missile.

NPR: A Look At The North Korea Crisis

After all, in spite of Israel's sure knowledge last summer that Hamas and Iran would use a cease-fire with Israel to increase the size of Hamas's missile arsenal and expand the range of its projectiles while building up its forces, the Olmert-Livni-Barak government agreed to the cease-fire.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Iran's Gaza diversion

The missile apparently never left its launch box and its booster was immediately extinguished by a fire-suppression system.

CNN: NATO brushes aside Yugoslav offer, targets troops

But on Sunday afternoon, as a tireless patriot was laid to rest in the Jezreel Valley, the ground was not burning with missile fire, it was exploding with fecundity.

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