1895day.year
George B. Selden is granted the first U.S. patent for an automobile.
Inventor George B. Selden received the first U.S. patent covering the concept of the automobile.
On November 5, 1895, George B. Selden, a patent lawyer and inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 549,160 for a “road engine” powered by an internal combustion engine. Although Selden’s design was never fully developed into a working prototype, the patent broadly covered gasoline-powered vehicles. Selden’s patent gave him control over automobile manufacturing in the United States for many years, leading to legal battles with early car manufacturers. His claim was ultimately challenged and overturned by Henry Ford’s legal team in 1911. The Selden patent case shaped the early automotive industry and underscored the importance of patent law in technological innovation.
1895
George B. Selden
patent
2007day.year
China's first lunar satellite, Chang'e 1, goes into orbit around the Moon.
China's Chang'e 1, launched in 2007, became the nation's first lunar satellite, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration program.
On November 5, 2007, China successfully inserted Chang'e 1 into lunar orbit, inaugurating its lunar exploration initiative. The unmanned orbiter carried scientific instruments to map the Moon's surface, analyze its composition, and study its environment. This achievement positioned China as the third country to orbit the Moon, after the United States and the Soviet Union. Chang'e 1's mission provided high-resolution imagery and data crucial for planning future missions, including crewed lunar landings. The success bolstered national pride and demonstrated the rapid advancement of the Chinese space industry. It laid the groundwork for subsequent missions like Chang'e 2 and the robotic lunar rovers. International space agencies took note of China's growing capabilities in deep-space exploration.
2007
Chang'e 1
2007day.year
The Android mobile operating system is unveiled by Google.
Google unveiled the Android mobile operating system in 2007, laying the foundation for one of the world's most popular smartphone platforms.
On November 5, 2007, Google announced Android, an open-source operating system designed for mobile devices. Developed by the Open Handset Alliance, Android aimed to create a unified platform to accelerate innovation in mobile technology. The system featured a Linux-based kernel, a rich application framework, and support for touchscreens and wireless connectivity. Android's open model encouraged developers to build a wide range of apps, contributing to its rapid adoption by hardware manufacturers. This launch challenged established players like BlackBerry and Symbian, reshaping the global smartphone market. Over time, Android became the dominant mobile operating system, powering billions of devices worldwide. Its ecosystem of apps, services, and regular updates continues to drive the mobile industry forward.
Android
Google
2013day.year
India launches the Mars Orbiter Mission, its first interplanetary probe.
India launched its Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013, becoming the first Asian country to conduct a successful interplanetary expedition.
On November 5, 2013, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) propelled the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) into space aboard a PSLV rocket. The mission aimed to study Martian surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere. Achieving Martian orbit insertion in September 2014, ISRO showcased cost-effective engineering and precise navigation. Mangalyaan's success marked India as the first nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt. The spacecraft has provided valuable data on Martian methane, dust storms, and atmospheric composition. The mission's affordability, at under $75 million, drew global acclaim and positioned India as a major player in space exploration. Data from Mangalyaan continues to inform scientific understanding and inspire future missions.
2013
Mars Orbiter Mission
first interplanetary probe