Launched in 1872, it made 492 deep soundings and 133 dredgings.  
It was captained by George Nares while Sir C. Wyville Thomson led the scientists. Launched in 1872, it made 492 deep soundings and 133 dredgings.  Among its important findings were the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a worldwide mapping of oceanic sediments, and a catalog of abyssal animals.  For ten points, name this oceanographic exploration which lent its name to a Space Shuttle.
It was captained by George Nares while Sir C. Wyville Thomson led the scientists.
Challenger expedition