In August of 1956 , science - fabrication author Arthur C. Clarke wrote a letter of the alphabet to his ally Andrew G. Haley . In this letter , he foretell — with uncanny accuracy — the GPS and satellite television systems of today .
Here ’s the missive as transcribed by the folks ofLetters of Note :
Aug 56
Dear Andy ,
Odd that we should have span in the post !
I am afraid that I am too much out of signature with current communication possibility and technique to provide much of value for you . ( In any effect , all my war - fourth dimension experience was in radar , not radio . )
As you may know , my principal interest in this case is in the consumption of satellite relays , which I think may revolutionise the pattern of world communication theory . To the upright of my knowledge , I was the first to paint a picture this possibility ( see “ Extraterrestrial Relays ” , Wireless World , October 45 ) . By another odd happenstance I ’ve just sent my agent an clause on these lines , gentle “ The Billion Dollar Moon ” , giving my latest scene on this subject . My general conclusions are that perhaps in 30 years the orbital relay organization may take over all the functions of live surface networks and provide others quite impossible today . For example , the three stations in the 24 - hour orbit could provide not only an hindrance and security review - free spheric TV service for the same power as a single advanced transmitter , but could also make possible a place - finding grid whereby anyone on earth could locate himself by agency of a couple of dials on an instrument about the size of a vigil . ( A development of Decca and transistorisation . ) It might even make possible world - spacious person - to - someone radio with automatic dialling . Thus no - one on the planet need ever get lose or become out of touch with the community of interests , unless he wanted to be . I ’m still conceive about the social result of this !
But as for detail of frequencies and powers , I ’ll have to leave behind that to the experts to work out ; I ’ll get on with my scientific discipline fable and look to say “ I told you so ! ”
truly ,
( Signed , ‘ Arthur ’ )
Arthur C Clarke
P.S. Any fortune of seeing you in London ? I leave for N.Y. on 28 August .
I think he earned that “ I told you so ” by now , no ? [ Letters of NoteviaDviceviaBoing Boing ]
Daily Newsletter
Get the best tech , science , and culture tidings in your inbox daily .
News from the time to come , delivered to your present .
