Arthur C. Clarke, grandmaster of science fiction and a pioneering innovator in the field of space engineering, has died. Clarke was 90 years old, and died in his adopted home of Sri Lanka. His most popular works were science fiction pieces such as the novel “2001: A Space Odyssey”, but his total works numbered over 100, focused widely on technology and the future.

While Clarke was best known for his literary work, he also made fundamental contributions, at a conceptual and design level, to the aerospace world. During World War II he worked on developing radar systems that later proved critical in the implementation of the Berlin Air Lift. He described the potential use of geosynchronous satellites as orbital communications platforms and extended the concept to conceive of the first practical space elevator. He was a lifelong supporter of space exploration and economic development.

Clarke moved to Sri Lanka in 1956 and lived there until his death on March 18, 2008. In his 90th birthday anniversary message, Clarke made three wishes: for aliens to contact humanity peacefully, for the world to embrace greener energy technologies, and for peace to come to Sri Lanka’s bitter ethnic conflict. In 2000 Clarke was knighted by his native United Kingdom, and his list of awards and honors is too long to contemplate listing. His impact on the world of science fiction is similarly deep.