How do ICBM early warning systems differentiate between a real threat and a launch of a normal rocket intended to go to space?

Question

How do ICBM early warning systems differentiate between a real threat and a launch of a normal rocket intended to go to space?

In: 2759

Answer 1

It’s common for space agencies to communicate to their counterparts in other countries. They in turn communicate to their military counterparts.

When military rockets are tested, the same type of communications happens.

Only rogue states like North Korea don’t follow this pattern. That being said, intelligence agencies usually predict these launches fairly well due to the increased activity on the ground that can be picked up by surveillance satellites, and by intercepting communications (signals intelligence).