Rendezvous with Rama is a novel by Arthur C. Clarke published in 1973. Set in the 22nd century, the story involves a 30 mile-long unknown starship that passes through the solar system. The story is told from the point of view of astronauts who intercept the ship in an attempt to unlock its mysteries. Considered a hard-science fiction classic, the book won both Hugo and Nebula awards. The film will be released in  2009.