The Mars 5 space probe was launched by the Soviet Union on July 25, 1973, as part of the Soviet Mars program aimed at exploring the Martian surface. This spacecraft followed previous missions, which had provided preliminary data about the planet, setting the stage for more in-depth studies. Mars 5 was designed to orbit Mars and collect scientific information about its atmosphere, surface, and potential for past water presence, which is critical for understanding the planet's history and geology.

Equipped with various scientific instruments, Mars 5 was specifically set up to measure the Martian surface temperature, atmospheric pressure, and chemical composition. The mission was notable for its goal of entering Martian orbit, which had the potential to enhance the scientific understanding of Mars significantly. The probe's design intended to allow for a high-resolution study of the surface features, contributing to the knowledge about the planet's geology and atmosphere.

After its launch, Mars 5 traveled approximately 7 months to reach Mars, where it ultimately entered orbit around the planet. Although it experienced some communication difficulties and did not return as much data as initially hoped, the mission provided essential insights and indicated the presence of surface features that resembled channels and valleys, suggesting the past presence of liquid water. The scientific experiments conducted by Mars 5 would influence future missions and our understanding of Martian characteristics.