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Sir Arthur C. Clarke is generally credited with coming up using the concept of
using satellites in geosynchronous orbits to relay communications signals around
the world. In his honor, these are at times referred to as Clarke orbits. A
geosynchronous orbit simply means that the satellite is positioned at an altitude of
22,300 miles over the earth's equator and travels in the same speed as the earth's rotational
speed. This keeps the satellite in exactly the same spot over the earth at all times.
Clarke wrote an write-up titled "Extraterrestrial Relays", which was published
in Wireless World Magazine back in 1945. In his post Clarke, envisioned
three 'space platforms' put at 22,300 miles above the earth and that worldwide
communications could hence be achieved.
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