The Challenger at sea. The fifth HMS Challenger (launched 1858) was a steam assisted British naval, wooden corvette of 22306 tons. Captain George Nares was in command with 243 officers, scientists and naval crew when she embarked on her 68,890 nautical mile (127,670 km) journey. The Challenger is notable for carrying the first global marine research expedition and is without parallel in the history of scientific research. The vessel was also the first steamship to cross the Antarctic Circle, although this was not the object of the voyage.