178 years ago, in 1848:

William Bond, his son George, and William Lassell co-discover one of Saturn's moons, Hyperion.

77 years ago, in 1949:

Aboard a US-launched V-2, Albert III, a long-tailed macaque, dies when the rocket explodes ten seconds after launch.

30 years ago, in 1996:

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-79) is the first shuttle mission to dock at the fully assembled Mir Space Station.