Sir Arthur C. Clarke has passed away in his home of Sri Lanka at 1:30 local time at the age of 90.
In 1945, a UK periodical magazine “Wireless World” published his landmark technical paper “Extra-terrestrial Relays” in which he first set out the principles of satellite communication with satellites in geostationary orbits - a speculation realized 25 years later. During the evolution of his discovery, he worked with scientists and engineers in the USA in the development of spacecraft and launch systems, and addressed the United Nations during their deliberations on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Today, the geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometers above the equator is named The Clarke Orbit by the International Astronomical Union.
His works and his authorship have ranged from scientific discovery to science fiction, from technical application to entertainment, and have made a global impact on the lives of present and future generations.
He formulated three “laws” of prediction:
- When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
- The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.
- Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
He shared an Oscar nomination with Kubrick at the Hollywood Academy Awards for the film version of “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
Arthur Clarke wrote many books, articles and papers. His contribution to the science-fiction counts more than 70 titles.
“If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run - and often in the short one - the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative.” - Sir Arthur’s quote
During the ITU’s World Communications Year in 1983 the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation was established with the following mission:
* “Stimulate creative use of communications technologies and social resources to improve health, education, and the quality of life for people everywhere, with emphasis on the needs of developing countries.”
* “Integrate science and technology with literature, film and other means of outreach to enhance recognition of our increasingly complex, interconnected world.”
* “Deepen public understanding of science and technology, and their impact on humanity and all the other components of our universe.”
