November 5 in history — On This Day

1964

Mariner 3 Launches Toward Mars but Loses Power After Its Shroud Fails

On November 5, 1964, NASA launched Mariner 3 toward Mars. The spacecraft's protective shroud did not separate as designed, its solar panels did not open properly, and the mission was lost within hours.

Read the story →

Also on November 5

This Week in History

Medicine & Health

All Medicine & Health →

Nature & Disasters

All Nature & Disasters →

Art & Literature

All Art & Literature →

The Story Behind the Photo

Chicago After the Fire: From Burned Blocks to a New Skyline

A photograph taken after the 1871 fire can make Chicago look as though its future had been decided by a wall of flame. A view from around 1905 tells a different story: tall offices, busy transport routes and commercial streets crowded again.

Explore the frame →

Collections

Explore by Topic

My Birthday in History

See what happened on your date.

Watch in 30 Seconds

Big moments, short videos.

Browse videos →

Explore the Archive

Surprise me