1969day.year
The Venera 5 space probe is launched at 06:28:08 UTC from Baikonur.
The Soviet Union launches Venera 5 toward Venus as part of its planetary exploration program.
On January 5, 1969, the Soviet Union launched the Venera 5 probe from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Venera 5 was part of a series of planetary missions aimed at exploring Venus. The spacecraft carried instruments to measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, and chemical composition. After a cruise phase of several months, it entered Venus's atmosphere and transmitted data back to Earth. The probe’s findings enhanced scientific understanding of the planet’s extreme greenhouse conditions. Its mission ended when high atmospheric pressure caused signal loss.
1969
Venera 5
Baikonur
1972day.year
US President Richard Nixon announces the Space Shuttle program.
President Richard Nixon unveils plans for the Space Shuttle program, heralding a new era in reusable spacecraft.
On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon announced the United States Space Shuttle program. The initiative aimed to develop a partially reusable spacecraft to reduce launch costs. NASA was instructed to design a vehicle capable of routine access to low Earth orbit. The program envisioned frequent missions supporting scientific research, satellite deployment, and space station construction. It represented a shift from expendable rockets to sustainable space operations. The first shuttle orbiter, Columbia, launched in 1981, inaugurating three decades of service.
1972
Richard Nixon
Space Shuttle program
2005day.year
The dwarf planet Eris is discovered by Palomar Observatory-based astronomers, later motivating the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to define the term planet for the first time.
On January 5, 2005, astronomers at Palomar Observatory discovered the dwarf planet Eris, challenging the traditional definition of a planet.
On January 5, 2005, a team led by Mike Brown at Palomar Observatory identified a distant icy body now known as Eris.
Initially designated 2003 UB313, Eris was found in the scattered disk beyond Neptune using the Samuel Oschin telescope.
Its size, slightly larger than Pluto, challenged the traditional nine-planet model of the solar system.
The discovery spurred the International Astronomical Union to formalize the definition of a planet in 2006.
Under the new criteria, Eris and Pluto were classified as dwarf planets.
This landmark decision reshaped our understanding of planetary categories and triggered extensive scientific debate.
Eris remains one of the most massive known dwarf planets and continues to intrigue researchers studying the outer solar system.
2005
dwarf planet Eris
Palomar Observatory
International Astronomical Union
define the term planet
2014day.year
A launch of the communication satellite GSAT-14 aboard the GSLV MK.II D5 marks the first successful flight of an Indian cryogenic engine.
On January 5, 2014, India's GSLV Mark II D5 rocket successfully carried GSAT-14 into orbit, showcasing the nation's first indigenous cryogenic engine flight.
On January 5, 2014, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched GSAT-14 aboard the GSLV Mark II D5 rocket.
This mission marked the first successful flight of India's indigenously developed cryogenic upper stage.
The satellite was inserted into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, performing vital communication functions.
The cryogenic engine, developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, demonstrated reliable performance under vacuum conditions.
This success reduced India's dependence on foreign cryogenic technology and strengthened its launch capabilities.
GSAT-14 carried multiple transponders to expand telecommunication and broadcasting services across the country.
The achievement was hailed as a major step forward in India's pursuit of self-reliant space technology.
2014
GSAT-14
GSLV MK.II D5
Indian cryogenic engine