The world's best-known writer of science fiction, Sir Arthur C Clarke has published over 100 books, and hosted a large number of TV programmes. Sir Arthur has lived in Sri Lanka since 1956.
The Communications Satellite
A communications satellite is an artificial satellite stationed in space to provide telecommunications. The idea of the communications satellite was first suggested by Arthur C Clarke. The first satellite, Project Score, was launched by the USA in 1958 and was used to send a Christmas greeting to President Eisenhower. Many hundreds of comsats have been sent into orbit and about 150 are still operating.
Since then, the use of satellite technology has grown rapidly. Communications satellites have helped to make broadcast TV networks successful and powered the popularity of mobile phones. .
