174 years ago, in 1852:

16 Psyche, one of the ten most massive objects in the asteroid belt, is discovered by the Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis from Naples.

127 years ago, in 1899:

Phoebe, a moon of Saturn, is the first moon to be discovered photographically (William Pickering).

68 years ago, in 1958:

Vanguard 1, the first solar powered satellite, is launched and reaches orbit.

14 years ago, in 2012:

The Messenger probe begins its first extended mission.

13 years ago, in 2013:

The Messenger probe begins its second extended mission.

12 years ago, in 2014:

After 56 years in Earth orbit, Vanguard 1 (and its upper stage) sets the record for being in space longer than any other man-made object.