The Ocean Floor

James Cameron piloting the  DeepSea Challenge became the first person to make a solo dive to the deepest place on Earth. The endeavor was one of scientific discovery in a new age of exploration, and its success will give us a better understanding of this least explored environment and the secrets and lessons it holds.

We know less about the deepest points on our planet than we do about the surface of Mars. The DeepSea Challenge team is dedicated to advancing the world’s understanding of our ocean’s vast range of biological and geological phenomena. The historic expedition to the Mariana Trench’s lowest point, the Challenger Deep, which lies 6.83 miles (10.99 kilometers) below the ocean surface, is the first extensive scientific exploration in a manned submersible of the deepest spot on Earth. Piloting the DeepSea Challenge , which is outfitted for scientific exploration, James Cameron was able to conduct tests, collect samples, and document the experience from the pilot sphere.