Clarke’s Orbiting Spheres

The visionary, Arthur C. Clarke, was lauded during his long life. He was appointed the chairman of the British Interplanetary Society and, in 1961, he was awarded the UNESCO-Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science. From the depths of his imagination, he gave us the notion to utilize space, whether it was for the sake of increased communications or to help us find where we are. From mobile communications to GPS tracking systems, Clarke has changed the way we live, think, and dream.

One of his most famous conjectures involved the proposal of a global satellite communication system. Essentially, he was a futurist — and a writer. Though the idea of satellite communication is de rigor now, it was considered revolutionary in 1945. Formally presenting his idea to the Franklin Institute, Clarke would go on to win the coveted Stuart Ballantine Gold Medal in 1963.

During a time when the mere idea of a computer was far-fetched, Clarke’s satellite proposal was considered untenable. The influence Clarke has wielded in the science fiction community was tremendous. His proposal, has he explained it, was based on the five years (from 1941 to 1946) he spent in service to the Royal Air Force. He claimed the idea of using satellites to gauge distance and position was influenced by the pinging phenomenon unique to radar systems.

The satellite system he proposed has had a profound affect on our day-to-day lives, especially when it comes to mobile telecommunications and GPS tracking systems. A GPS device is continually relaying and receiving signals from a multitude of satellites orbiting the planet. These signals allow anyone with a GPS device to pinpoint their location anywhere in the world.

When people mention Arthur C. Clarke, there is a good chance the first image his name conjures is the red eye-camera of the HAL 9000 computer. While 2001: A SPACE ODYESSY made an impression on an entire generation of science fiction and film fans, its author had a deeper impact on everyday life than most fans realize. Arthur C. Clarke made some impressive contributions to the field of science as well as to the field of science fiction.