Step 1: Use conservation of mechanical energy.
Let the mass of the object be \(m\).
Initially, the object is at earth’s surface:
\[
r_i=R_E
\]
Final maximum distance from earth’s center is
\[
r_f=R_E+\frac{4}{5}R_E
\]
\[
r_f=\frac{9}{5}R_E
\]
At maximum height, velocity becomes zero.
Step 2: Write the energy equation.
Initial total energy:
\[
\frac{1}{2}mV^2-\frac{GMm}{R_E}
\]
Final total energy:
\[
-\frac{GMm}{r_f}
\]
Thus,
\[
\frac{1}{2}mV^2-\frac{GMm}{R_E}
=
-\frac{GMm}{\frac{9}{5}R_E}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{2}mV^2
=
\frac{GMm}{R_E}-\frac{5GMm}{9R_E}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{2}mV^2
=
\frac{4GMm}{9R_E}
\]
Hence,
\[
V^2=\frac{8GM}{9R_E}
\]
Step 3: Write the escape velocity expression.
Escape velocity is
\[
V_E=\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R_E}}
\]
Thus,
\[
V_E^2=\frac{2GM}{R_E}
\]
Step 4: Find the ratio.
\[
\left(\frac{V}{V_E}\right)^2
=
\frac{\frac{8GM}{9R_E}}{\frac{2GM}{R_E}}
\]
\[
=
\frac{8}{18}
\]
\[
=
\frac{4}{9}
\]
Therefore,
\[
\frac{V}{V_E}=\frac{2}{3}
\]
Step 5: Final conclusion.
Hence,
\[
\boxed{\frac{2}{3}}
\]