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Memory Alpha
Retcon article
(covers information that was retroactively changed)

Ranger 5 was an American Ranger Block II space probe that was in service with NASA during the mid-20th century.

The Ranger 5 was equipped with several pieces of advanced technology for the period, including: lunar capsule, omnidirectional antenna, RADAR altimeter, solar panels, gamma-ray spectrometer, mid-course motor, retrorocket, TV camera, and high-gain antenna.

A diagram depicting this spacecraft was stored in the USS Enterprise's library computer in 2254, and was among the materials viewed by the Talosians when they scanned the Enterprise computer. (TOS: "The Cage")

Ranger 5 was launched from Earth on October 18, 1962. This probe was designed to take photos of the lunar surface before crashing on Luna. During flight, the probe malfunctioned and missed Luna by 725 kilometers.
The image of Ranger 5 that appeared in "The Cage" was archived by NASA on August 14, 1964, thirteen weeks before the episode's filming began. [1]

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