Ad Astra (magazine)

This article is about the magazine. For other uses, see Ad astra (disambiguation).

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.

Ad Astra literally means "To the Stars." This award-winning quarterly magazine is published by the National Space Society (NSS), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) aerospace advocacy and educational institution headquartered in Washington, D.C..

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, publisher of Space.com. Imaginova published Ad Astra from 2005 to 2008, and still maintains a website for Ad Astra Online at SPACE.com. Ad Astra is MM Publishing's second magazine on the space industry after LAUNCH Magazine.

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.^{[citation needed]}

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-judgmental 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."^{[citation needed]}

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

External links

• Ad Astra Official online page on SPACE.com web portal
• 2008 Ad Astra Sales Kit PDF presentation and background information about the magazine, subscribers and content, pricing and contact information