Ulysses space probe

Ulysses returns to the Sun's polar cap
http://ulysses.jpl.nasa.gov/

Although originally designed for a mission lasting 5 years, the Ulysses space probe and its suite of 9 scientific experiments are still going strong after more than 16 years in orbit.
ESA Portal - Life in Space - Ulysses scores a hat-trick
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMUHTN2UXE_Life_0.html