Cook's name and likeness appeared on NASA and coins in recognition of his efforts
On August 1, 1987, Congress authorized the construction of the fifth Space Shuttle orbiter to replace Challenger. On May 7, 1991, NASA's brand-new Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carried Endeavour (OV-105) to the KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility for the first time (NASA 911). The newest orbiter of the space agency went into operation in 1992 on STS-49, an Intelsat VI repair mission. More country was explored and charted by Cook than by any other navigator of his day, and NASA later recognized him for his efforts. The name of the third space shuttle was inspired by several historical ships, including Cook's HMS Discovery. Later, NASA called their last shuttle "Endeavour" in honor of the ship he commanded on his first tour of the world. The crew of the space shuttle Discovery carried a unique medallion created by the Royal Society in memory of Cook when it performed its last space journey in 2011.
Additionally, Cook's likeness may be found on a 1928 Hawaii Sesquicentennial half-dollar currency. Due to its limited mintage of about 10,008 and the 150th anniversary of his discovery of the islands, this early commemorative coin from the United States is very rare and valuable. In 1874, a white obelisk was erected to honor the location of his death in Hawaii. Although located in Hawaii, this estate was given to the UK by Princess Likelike and her husband Archibald Scott Cleghorn in 1877 through James Hay Wodehouse, the British Consul in Hawaii. Captain Cook, Hawaii is the name of a neighboring town, and he is also the name of several Hawaiian companies.
