Arthur C. Clarke

1. Arthur C. Clarke Dec 16, 1917 – Mar 19, 2008

2. Accomplishments in Literature • Three Hugo Awards • Two Nebulas • First novel: Prelude to Space(published in 1947)

3. 2001: A Space Odyssey • In 1964, Clark began working with Stanley Kubrick on the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. While the film was based loosely on one of Clarke’s short stories, “The Sentinel” (1951), the project provoked Clarke to create the novel, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Clark created the novel while Kubrick simultaneously worked on the film. In 1968, Clarke published the novel. In the same year, Clarke and Kubrick shared an Oscar nomination for the film. • In 1985, Clarke published 2010: Odyssey Two and worked with Peter Hyams on a film version. • Clarke also published two other novels in the series – 2061: Odyssey Three (1988) and 3001: The Final Odyssey (1996)

4. Other Accomplishments • In "Can Rocket Stations Give Worldwide Radio Coverage?" (Wireless World, 1945), Clarke introduced the concept of geostationary satellites being used for telecommunications relays. As a result, Clarke is credited with the invention of the first communications satellite and won various awards in the scientific community. • The geostationary orbit (at 42,000 kilometers above Earth) was named “The Clarke Orbit” • Clarke also took part in creating a new branch of meteorology that utilized rockets and satellites for weather forecasting. • Clarke, Walter Cronkite (CBS newsman), and astronaut Wally Schirra narrated the Apollo 11 lunar landing. • Clarke was knighted in 2000

5. Setbacks • Arthur C. Clarke’s father died when Clarke was only 14. His family’s savings dwindled and he was unable to attend university. Clarke began to work as an auditor, then served in the Royal Air Force as a radar specialist during World War II. After the war he entered King’s College and graduated with honors in physics and mathematics. • In 1962, Clarke suffered a blow to the head which left him temporarily paralyzed. In 1988, Clarke suffered mobility problems again and was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome and became confined to a wheelchair. • In 1998, the British tabloid The Sunday Mirror accused Clarke of being a pedophile. While the claims were discredited, the accusation caused a delay in his knighting.

6. Clarke’s Other Interests • In the 1950s, Clarke became interested in undersea exploration. In Sri Lanka, he learned how to dive. His newfound interest inspired his novel The Deep Range. • Clarke had a lifelong interest in the paranormal. This influence is reflected in his novel Childhood’s End. His interest in the paranormal caused him to produce the television programs Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World (1981) and Arthur C. Clarke's World of Strange Powers (1984).

7. Works Cited • All of the information gathered here was obtained from a single source: • "Arthur C. Clarke" NNDB. Soylent Communications, n.d. Web. 4 June 2012 http://www.nndb.com/people/725/000023656/ • The website also lists many of Clarke’s other works, and the many positions and awards that Arthur C. Clarke obtained throughout his career.