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I watched 2001: A Space Odyssey last month, and part of what I felt as I watched it was an aching sadness for the future that wasn't. A future with commercial travel to the moon, and manned missions deep into space.

I still believe in space exploration, but one of the greats who also believed in it is gone. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) died today. He will be missed, not only by his legions of science fiction fans, but by all who shared his vision of a better tomorrow, where humanity would keep reaching for the stars.

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