Which explorer was known for seeking a northwest passage, similar to Jacques Cartier?

Henry Hudson is the explorer recognized for seeking a northwest passage, much like Jacques Cartier. He embarked on several voyages in the early 17th century, aiming to find a route through North America to Asia. Hudson's exploration was pivotal as it opened up new territories and led to further European interest in the North American continent. His journeys included navigating the Hudson River, which was central to the later colonization efforts by the Dutch in the region.

Unlike Hudson, the other explorers listed had different focuses: Hernando Cortez is best known for his conquest of the Aztec Empire, Francisco Pizarro for his takeover of the Incan Empire, and Sir Francis Drake for his circumnavigation of the globe and privateering against Spanish interests. Each of these explorers contributed differently to the age of exploration, but only Hudson's missions were explicitly aimed at discovering a northwest passage to Asia.