Who sent francisco coronado to explore in 1535?

Francisco Coronado was sent to explore by the Spanish Viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza, in 1540, not 1535. Mendoza aimed to find the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, believed to be located in the northern territories. Coronado led an expedition that ventured into present-day southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona and New Mexico, in search of these riches.