About Us

Welcome to LTA – Science & Flight Magazine, where we take you on an exhilarating journey to unravel the thrilling stories and incredible discoveries that unfold high above the clouds.

Ours is a unique digital publication dedicated to sharing adventurous narratives of human flight in balloons and airships, as well as the valiant scientific endeavors that utilize lighter-than-air (LTA) technology to explore both our Earth and the boundless universe beyond. We bring to light stories in ballooning, beginning with those who launched the age of human aviation over two centuries ago to those who are designing modern airships and balloon vehicles for a luxurious space-tourism experience.

Our LTA coverage encompasses ballooning, airships, blimps, aerostats, weather balloons, scientific balloons, stratospheric and space balloon vehicles, as well as insightful articles on weather, altitude science, Earth, and space.

In addition, the magazine is a testimony to the skills and caliber of  intrepid men and women who mastered the physical world in a willful craft—from the first aviators who took off in a crude balloon in Paris in 1783 to the twentieth and twenty-first century aviators who crossed oceans and circled the earth, to those who not only soared dangerously high to explore the stratosphere and near space but also jumped to test spacesuits and equipment—each one contributing in a unique way to advance human capabilities and modern amenities and usher in the space age.

We reveal how the brightest minds in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts have flocked to the world of lighter-than-air aviation. Our readers are enlightened about the vast array of applications that ballooning serves, from atmospheric research to surveillance and more, and why ballooning remains an ideal platform for scientific research and observation.

Formerly known as The Balloon Journal, LTA—Science & Flight Magazine took flight in December 2015.  With over 1.2 million visitors and an average of 8 million page views each year, we’ve built a dedicated and strong readership.

We invite you to get onboard, support us, advertise with us, contribute your expertise, and share your opinions. Join us in preserving and celebrating the legacy of those who dared to fly and explore our world and the limitless skies.

All Aboard!
Sitara Maruf

Sitara Maruf is an author and award-winning science writer with a remarkable background. With over 15 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism, science and health writing, editing, and communications direction, Sitara’s expertise is well established.

Sitara holds two master’s degrees: an MA in broadcast journalism and public affairs from American University in Washington, DC, and an MS in biochemistry from the University of Pune, India.

Her career has been marked by significant roles, including serving as a medical science writer and press officer at the National Institutes of Health, contributing as an intern and freelance producer at the British Broadcasting Corporation, and reporting for India Abroad. She has also demonstrated her skills as a producer, reporter, and anchor for Human Interest Today at WNVC-TV, and as a science writer and editor for LTA – Science & Flight Magazine. Her versatile abilities have further led her to the role of communications and media director in a former governor’s office.

Beyond her impressive career in journalism and communications, Sitara is the author of the book, Easy-to-Learn English Grammar and Punctuation.

Sitara Maruf, the creative mind behind LTA – Science & Flight Magazine, has long been captivated by the riveting narratives of LTA aviation, a realm that has witnessed remarkable scientific breakthroughs since the eighteenth century. From the age of early ballooning and airships to the daring adventures of stratospheric manned ballooning, and the invaluable roles of LTA aircraft in scientific, meteorological, and reconnaissance endeavors, Sitara’s fascination with the field led to the birth of LTA – Science & Flight Magazine in 2015. She serves as the founder, editor, contributor, and principal sponsor, driving the magazine’s mission to showcase the captivating world of lighter-than-air flight.

###