National Space Society Selects New Publisher for Ad Astra Magazine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Space Society (NSS) has selected MM Publishing Inc., a media company based in New York City, as the new publisher of the society’s award-winning magazine, Ad Astra, it was announced today. The agreement takes effect with the Spring (February 2008) issue of the quarterly magazine.

"MM Publishing brings an impressive background in magazine publishing to Ad Astra, as well as a deep and personal enthusiasm for space," said George Whitesides, executive director of NSS. "I am confident that they will continue Ad Astra’s tradition of excellence."

Ad Astra, now in its eighteenth year of publication, is the official magazine of NSS, and 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.

Widely acknowledged as the nation's preeminent citizens’ voice on space, NSS was founded when the National Space Institute, created by Dr. Wernher von Braun, and the L5 Society merged in 1986. Since that time, NSS has flourished, with nearly 20,000 members, 75 chapters internationally, and a list of Governors, Directors and Advisors that serves as a Who's Who of astronauts, scientists and entertainers. Among them: Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Frank Borman, James Lovell, John Glenn, Harrison Schmitt, Arthur C. Clarke, Michael DeBakey, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and others. Former ABC 20/20 host Hugh Downs serves as the Chairman of the NSS Board of Governors.

With 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. The company expects to offer package advertising deals for both Ad Astra and LAUNCH.

Founded by Mark Mayfield and Deborah Martin, both veterans of the national consumer magazine industry, MM also publishes custom magazines for luxury hotels.

"NSS is the most respected space advocacy group in the country, and it will be a pleasure to work with them on Ad Astra," said Mayfield, president of MM Publishing. "We're thrilled to become the new publishers. It's a wonderful opportunity."

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