The missile launchers mounted on ships are simply armoured storage units to keep the munitions safe during combat.
Each launcher can take a series of 'packs' of missiles, rockets, flares or mines, which are loaded in and interfaced with the launchers power and data feeds. Each pack can contain from one to many missiles, depending on the missile type.
When a weapon is fired it is powered up and ejected from the pack using a simple magnetic accelerator. Once free of the ship, the weapons internal systems come on line, and the warhead is armed.
Internal Missile Magazine
Quad Pack Missile Launcher
Tri Pack Missile Launcher
Twin Pack Missile Launcher