At a TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco, Varda Space Industries founder Will Bruey predicted that within 15 to 20 years, sending a working-class human to orbit for a month will be more cost-effective than developing advanced machines for space labor. This projection contrasts with Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos's October statement at an Italian tech conference, where he envisioned robots primarily handling space work due to their cost-effectiveness.

The contrasting views have sparked discussions about the future of space labor and who will be working in space, and under what conditions. Mary-Jane Rubenstein, dean of social sciences and professor of religion and science and technology studies at Wesleyan University, addressed these questions in a recent interview.

Rubenstein highlighted the ethical considerations surrounding space labor, questioning the potential exploitation of a working class sent to space. She emphasized the need for proactive discussions about the rights and protections of these future space workers. "We need to be thinking now about what justice looks like in space," Rubenstein stated.

The current space industry landscape is dominated by private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Varda Space Industries, each with different approaches to space exploration and development. SpaceX focuses on reusable rockets and space transportation, while Blue Origin aims to build infrastructure for future human presence in space. Varda Space Industries is focused on in-space manufacturing, with plans to produce materials in microgravity for use on Earth.

Bruey's prediction raises questions about the economic feasibility and ethical implications of sending humans to space for labor. While robots may require significant upfront investment, they can operate continuously without life support or the need for return trips. However, Bruey argues that the cost of developing highly specialized robots for every task in space could exceed the cost of sending humans.

The debate over human versus robotic labor in space is ongoing, with both approaches presenting unique challenges and opportunities. As the space industry continues to evolve, these discussions will likely intensify, shaping the future of space exploration and development. The focus remains on determining the most efficient, ethical, and sustainable path forward for utilizing space's vast potential.