Endeavour was named after the 18th century british ship the "Endeavour" which was commanded by Captain James Cook. Cook took the Endeavour around the world charting many islands.

Construction on the modern day orbiter began on February 15,1982. Endeavour was completed on July 6, 1990 and had its first flight on May 7, 1992. Endeavour weighed 172,000 pounds  with its main engine installed. Endeavour has proved to be a valuable asset in NASA's space fleet.