The Space Agency

David Ariosto

co-Founder I The Space Agency

David Ariosto is co-founder of The Space Agency, an integrated space intelligence and communications firm built for the emerging orbital economy. Working at the intersection of strategy, comms, events, and space, he helps companies, investors, and institutions navigate the technological, geopolitical, and commercial forces shaping the new orbital age.

Ariosto is also a contributor, columnist, and podcast host for SpaceNews and Aerospace America. His recent book, Open Space: From Earth to Eternity – The Global Race to Explore and Conquer the Cosmos (Knopf Doubleday, Spring 2026), explores the collision of science, capital, and geopolitics driving humanity’s expansion beyond Earth. He also writes the weekly Open Space Report newsletter on the future of the space economy, and hosts the Space Minds podcast, spotlighted by SpaceNews.

A former international journalist whose career spans more than 50 countries, Ariosto has also served as a visiting professor at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Board Member of the Overseas Press Club, and was an Interplanetary Initiative Visiting Scholar.

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Latest Book

Open Space

From Earth to Eternity - the Global Race to Explore and Conquer the Cosmos

The true story of the modern high-stakes race for space, as nations and private corporations compete for control over new frontiers, from lunar resources to Martian settlements. As technological breakthroughs reshape global power dynamics, the competition intensifies, with geopolitical alliances and rivalries playing out in orbit. This blend of in-the-field reportage, historical account, and modern narrative, examines the future of humanity’s place beyond Earth.

-- Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group I 2026

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“Mr. Ariosto convincingly argues that we are still in the early days of the revolution that Mr. Musk set in motion by developing the ability to reuse rockets.”

— The Wall Street Journal

“Like the great space books of the last 50 years, Open Space spotlights the human stories—not just the missions—shaping the next iteration of the space industry.”

—Mike Gruss, Space News Chief Content and Strategy Officer
“Ariosto’s account of these intersections of space science, business, and global politics is deeply reported and well written.”

—Kirkus Reviews
“Captivates with suspenseful storytelling. . . . Space aficionados will find much of interest.”

—Publishers Weekly
“Ariosto cuts through the noise to show what actually matters in the new space age: who builds the architecture, who stays long enough to shape the environment, and who defines the rules others must live with. This isn’t just a book about rockets. It’s about power, institutions, and the future map of the solar system.”

—Dr. Bhavya Lal, former NASA associate administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy and professor of Space Policy at the RAND School of Public Policy
“A delightful and compelling story-driven map for our future. It’s one that delves into not only our own endeavors in space, but also those of potential adversaries. But in the end, it is about our shared—and inevitable—human journey beyond our planet.”

—Lieutenant General (Ret.) John Shaw, U.S. Space Force, and former deputy commander of U.S. Space Command
“Open Space transports you into the new space age: a world of high-stakes moon shots, geopolitical ambitions, and bold engineering, fueling humanity’s drive beyond Earth. With sharp insights and compelling storytelling, it’s a rare book that makes the future of space feel close enough to touch and too fascinating to ignore.”

—Dr. Namrata Goswami, professor of Space Security, United States Space Force, Johns Hopkins University
“Open Space illuminates the high-stakes contest unfolding above us—and the people quietly steering it. A breathtaking glimpse into the breakthroughs and choices that will define humanity’s next chapter.”

—Dr. Mamta Patel Nagaraja, former NASA associate chief scientist for Exploration and Applied Research

Open Space Report

Your weekly guide to the final frontier. The Open Space Report covers key space developments, emerging technologies, and global players shaping who leads and what it means for humanity.

Stay Informed

Publications

Destination Mars

—Noema
READ MORE >
In second NASA admin hearing, Isaacman urges moon-Mars push amid China race

—Aerospace America
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If government R&D spending is reduced, can industry take up the mantle?

—Aerospace America

READ MORE >
Lunar limbo: the possible paths ahead for Artemis

—Aerospace America

READ MORE >
NASA nominee calls for dual moon-Mars focus, though questions remain

—Aerospace America

READ MORE >
Could an ‘organically led Manhattan Project’ spark a new era in quantum sensing?

—Aerospace America

READ MORE >
ThinkOrbital Gears Up for Landmark Changes in Space Manufacturing

—Space Ref
READ MORE >
Data Centers Could Soon Break Lunar Ground

—EE Times
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A reinvigorated push for nuclear power in space

—Space News
READ MORE >
Rise of the ‘twin’

—Space News
READ MORE >
What’s driving China’s commercial launch industry

—Space News
READ MORE >
The remote seeds of exploration

—Space News
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Starship Completes Historic Second Launch Then Loses Contact

—Space Ref
READ MORE >
Science faces an earthly reckoning: A conversation with Nathalie Cabrol

—Space News
READ MORE >

Space Minds Podcast

Creating new demand in the nascent orbital economy

– February 19

Play Episode
A new book captures the forces shaping space: China, the moon and industry

— February 13

Play Episode
Managing an orbital economy as space grows more congested

—January 15. 2026

Play Episode
How physics AI is transforming the future of space engineering

– December 23, 2025

Play Episode
The shift that saved American spaceflight

- December 4, 2025

Play Episode

Space Minds Episodes

David Ariosto

co-Founder I The Space Agency

Latest Book

Open Space

“Like the great space books of the last 50 years, Open Space spotlights the human stories—not just the missions—shaping the next iteration of the space industry.”

“Ariosto’s account of these intersections of space science, business, and global politics is deeply reported and well written.”

“Captivates with suspenseful storytelling. . . . Space aficionados will find much of interest.”

“A delightful and compelling story-driven map for our future. It’s one that delves into not only our own endeavors in space, but also those of potential adversaries. But in the end, it is about our shared—and inevitable—human journey beyond our planet.”

“Open Space illuminates the high-stakes contest unfolding above us—and the people quietly steering it. A breathtaking glimpse into the breakthroughs and choices that will define humanity’s next chapter.”

Open Space Report

Destination Mars

In second NASA admin hearing, Isaacman urges moon-Mars push amid China race

If government R&D spending is reduced, can industry take up the mantle?

Lunar limbo: the possible paths ahead for Artemis

NASA nominee calls for dual moon-Mars focus, though questions remain

Could an ‘organically led Manhattan Project’ spark a new era in quantum sensing?

ThinkOrbital Gears Up for Landmark Changes in Space Manufacturing

Data Centers Could Soon Break Lunar Ground

A reinvigorated push for nuclear power in space

Rise of the ‘twin’

What’s driving China’s commercial launch industry

The remote seeds of exploration

Starship Completes Historic Second Launch Then Loses Contact

Science faces an earthly reckoning: A conversation with Nathalie Cabrol

Creating new demand in the nascent orbital economy

A new book captures the forces shaping space: China, the moon and industry

Managing an orbital economy as space grows more congested

How physics AI is transforming the future of space engineering

The shift that saved American spaceflight

OPEN SPACE REPORT