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Arthur C Clarke was born on the 16th December 1917 in Minehead, Somerset. Although most popularly known for his science fiction writings such as ‘The Sands of Mars’ (his first published novel) and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, he remains one of the most prophetic scientific visionaries of the 20th Century. In 1945 Arthur wrote an article for Wireless World outlining a concept for a geostationary orbit. Over 50 years later this has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.
The Arthur C. Clarke Centre for Future Technologies, Taunton, Somerset will encompass a number of areas of interest in science, space and communications. It will start with examples of inventions and technologies which have pioneered great advances in communications and space exploration. It will lead into examples of the very latest technical equipment, and point the way to research and equipment not yet invented. The Centre will also be a celebration of its founder and namesake with a museum containing related artefacts, including manuscripts and book donated by Arthur C. Clarke.
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Brian Thomas is highly regarded as a designer and innovator by his peers in the satellite communications industry. Whilst working for NASA during the 1980s Brian met and befriended his mentor, the noted author and futurist, Arthur C. Clarke.
Over the years this friendship has grown into their current relationship where Brian acts as "technical advisor" to Dr. Clarke’s many International projects and organises a variety of "live satellite addresses" to institutions around the globe. Brian has also been instrumental in establishing the "Arthur C. Clarke Foundation of Great Britain" supporting study and research in the fields of future technologies, particularly Education and "Distance Learning".
Since his return to the UK in 1992, Brian has been very active as an advisor and consultant to such bodies as the European Commission (DG Xlll), the Department of Trade and Industry, Philips NV (Netherlands), Thomson (France), The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). He was elected a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society in 1995 for his "outstanding contributions to the development of international satellite applications".
It is also very much hoped that Mr Fred Clarke (brother) will also be present at this lecture.
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Public open lecture - no charge, but entry ticket required. Limited number of places.
This lecture has been organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society's Space Group and will be held at QinetiQ (formerly DERA), Farnborough.
Please apply to Susan Sims, Room G007, The Arthur C Clarke Building, QinetiQ, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0LX. Tel: 01252 393944 Fax: 01252 396335 Email: smsims@QinetiQ.com