This article is about the magazine. For other uses, see Ad astra.
Ad Astra, Summer 2008 issue. ON THE COVER: Special Report: Back to the Moon. Cover image courtesy MM Publishing, Inc., New York, NY for the National Space Society, publishers of Ad Astra magazine.
On November 28, 2007, the National Space Society announced MM Publishing, Inc., a media company based in New York City, as the newest publisher of the society’s magazine. Founded by Mark Mayfield and Deborah Martin, both veterans of the national consumer magazine industry, MM Publishing also publishes custom magazines for luxury hotels.
The agreement between NSS and MM Publishing officially took effect with the Spring (February 2008) issue of the quarterly magazine, replacing the previous publisher Imaginova Corporation, an integrated multimedia content and commerce company and the publisher of an internet site devoted to capturing the public's fascination with space, science and technological innovation called Space.com.
With the agreement from NSS to publish Ad Astra, MM Publishing strengthens its foray into the space industry. The company was created in 2006 with the debut of LAUNCH Magazine, a glossy national bimonthly consumer publication that champions space travel and the hobbies that it has inspired. The magazine is available at many bookstores and newsstands nationally or by subscription at launchmagonline.com.
Although Imaginova had been publisher of Ad Astra since January 31, 2005, it still maintains a destination on the SPACE.com web portal for Ad Astra Online, which is devoted to the ideas, opinions, political critiques and analysis from the Society and its membership.
Now in its eighteenth year of publication as the official magazine of NSS, Ad Astra has been widely praised for its in-depth, expert coverage of space exploration and development, as well as outstanding photography. It has an international readership that includes some of the most influential names in the space industry, the US government and the American public.
A review by the Skeptic Files reports:
"Ad Astra is many things: It is balanced, presenting all aspects of an issue in a fair and non-jugmental way. It is attractive and visually appealing, using glossy stock paper, full color photos, and an uncluttered format. It is educational, presenting facts and details in a concise and comprehensive journalistic style. It is timely and informative, keeping its readers up to date on current events and their impact on the future of space exploration. It is future-oriented, reporting on new advances in a variety of research and projects -- both domestic and international. The editorial staff of Ad Astra pledges to bring NSS members a magazine that will serve as the gateway to the stars."
Awards
Printing & Graphics Communications Association:
Award of Excellence for 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999
Best of Category for 2003, 2002
Best Web Printed Piece for 2003
International Association of Business Communicators:
Silver Inkwell Award of Excellence for 2002
References
National Space Society selects new publisher for Ad Astra magazine; New York City-based MM Publishing Inc. takes over publishing, editing duties in 2008 - November 28, 2007 Press release from National Space Society
National Space Society partners with Space.com to create new online destination for Ad Astra magazine; appoints Imaginova Corp. publisher of magazine - January 31, 2005 Joint press releases from National Space Society and Imaginova
