In 1945 the journal Wireless World accepted and published a paper by Clarke entitled "Extraterrestrial Relays". This discussed the concept of the geosynchronous orbit which first came into use over 15 years later. Clarke's many science fiction novels are widely known. His non-fictional works are not so well known but included "Interplanetary Flight (1950)", "The Exploration of Space (1951)", and "The Making of a Moon (1957)". Interplanetary Flight included many equations and graphs detailing the requirements and opportunities of spaceflight. His novel "Glide Path (1969)" was based on his World War II experiences in the development of Precision Approach Radar.
Born at Minehead in Somerset, England on the 16th of December 1917, Arthur Charles Clarke played a large role in the early years of the British Interplanetary Society. He moved to Colombo, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1956 after studying the Australian Great Barrier Reef. He wrote several stories about the space under the sea. He made his home in Colombo, although he never lost his distinctive Yorkshire accent. He will be missed by many.