Ulysses
AgencyESA/NASA
Year1990-2009
TypeSolar polar orbit
RocketDiscovery STS-41
CountryEurope/USA
About the Mission
The first spacecraft to survey the Sun from above the poles. Used Jupiters gravity to escape the ecliptic plane. Discovered the solar wind is faster at the poles than the equator. Operated for nearly 19 years, far exceeding its 5-year design.