1997 - The Cassini spacecraft, carrying the Huygens probe, takes off on its mission to Saturn.

Included in the scientific equipment aboard the interplanetary explorer was a tiny microphone with which to hear and record sounds from Saturn and its moons for transmission back to Earth. Cassini would reach Saturn in 2004 and send back spectacular pictures and extensive data on the ringed gas giant. The mission was supported by Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil and the European Space Agency, and by hundreds of U.S. and European scientists. (© AP Images)