The European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT) dedicated its latest satellite to science fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke.

The satellite was launched from Baïkonour cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday evening. The separation of the satellite and the rocket occurred six hours and 35 minutes after launching, and was followed successful deployment of the solar panels and antenna.

After having had confirmation of the separation of the satellite, the General manager of EUTELSAT, Giuliano Berretta, declared: "We are very proud to dedicate this satellite to Sir Arthur C. Clarke, the 'father' of the geostationary orbit, where our satellites are being placed."

Arthur C. Clarke is the author of over sixty books with more than 50 million copies in print, and has been honored with the SFWA Grand Master Award, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and several Hugo awards. The award for the best science fiction novel in the United Kingdom is named the Arthur C. Clarke Award in his honor. His most famous work, 2001, is based on his earlier short story, "The Sentinel."

The geostationary orbits are also called "ceinture de Clarke" (girdles of Clarke).

Posted April 19, 2000