as opposed to meaning "parabolic", ballistic means they don't have propulsion after the launch phase, they are in free-fall under the influence of gravity, but

as opposed to meaning "parabolic", ballistic means they don't have propulsion after the launch phase, they are in free-fall under the influence of gravity, but like a person in a parachute, they're still able to steer within the envelope of hurtling to the earth