Has Anyone Ever Been to the Bottom of the Challenger Deep?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The Challenger Deep has been explored by several missions, with significant contributions from the Nereus in 2009 and Japan’s Kaiko in 1998. Technological advancements have greatly enhanced our ability to explore these extreme depths, providing valuable insights into the deepest parts of the world’s oceans.

The Challenger Deep, located in the Mariana Trench, is the deepest known point in the Earth’s oceans. It has been a focal point for deep-sea exploration, with various missions attempting to reach its profound depths.

Key Insights

• Recent Explorations:
  • The Nereus, a hybrid remotely operated vehicle (ROV), reached the bottom of the Challenger Deep at a depth of 10,902 meters on May 31, 2009. This marked the first visit since Japan’s Kaiko submersible in 19981 2.
• Technological Advancements:
  • The Nereus, designed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is notable for its versatility, capable of operating both as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and a tethered ROV. This flexibility allows for extensive exploration and specific area inspections2.
• Historical Context:
  • Since the first sounding by HMS Challenger in 1875, there have been numerous attempts to measure and explore the Challenger Deep. These efforts have utilized various technologies, from early explosive measurements to modern sonar and submersible methods3.