Pioneering science fiction writer and visionary Arthur C. Clarke, best known for his work on the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey," has died in his adopted home of Sri Lanka at the age of 90.  (File Photo)

"The thing about Clarke is he had this footprint lasting 60 years with a constant stream of publications," said Russell Galen, his New York-based literary agent for more than 30 years.

"So he has a kind of stature from his long influence that puts him in a unique, elite group."

Clarke had been working on the idea of a "space elevator."

"The golden age of space is only just beginning," Clarke forecast.

"Over the next 50 years, thousands of people will travel to earth orbit and then to the moon and beyond. Space travel and space tourism will one day become almost as commonplace as flying to exotic destinations on our own planet."

(China Daily/Agencies March 19, 2008)