What happens when you launch a ICBM in Fallout 3?

In Fallout 3, launching an ICBM occurs at the end of the "The Replicated Man" quest, where players can activate the missile at the Raven Rock facility. When launched, the missile targets the Capital Wasteland, resulting in a massive nuclear explosion that devastates the area, causing widespread destruction and altering the game world. This event serves as a significant narrative moment, emphasizing the themes of loss and the consequences of nuclear warfare in the game's post-apocalyptic setting. After the launch, the player can explore the newly affected areas, which may include new enemies and environmental changes.