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 anticipated millions living in space within decades, largely due to robots being more cost-effective for space work.

The contrasting viewpoints have sparked debate about the future of space labor and the ethical considerations surrounding it. Mary-Jane Rubenstein, dean of social sciences and professor of religion and science and technology studies at Wesleyan University, is exploring these questions. She discussed the implications of Bruey's statement, particularly regarding who will be working in space and under what conditions.

Bezos's vision emphasized automation, suggesting robots would handle the bulk of space-based tasks. Bruey's counter-argument suggests a future where human labor, specifically from the working class, becomes a more economical option. This raises questions about the types of jobs available, the training required, and the potential risks involved in sending humans to space for extended periods.

The economic factors driving these predictions are complex. Developing sophisticated robots capable of performing intricate tasks in the harsh environment of space requires significant investment in research, development, and testing. Conversely, the cost of sending humans to space is decreasing, driven by advancements in reusable rocket technology and private space companies like SpaceX.

Rubenstein's work delves into the ethical dimensions of space exploration and exploitation. She examines issues such as resource allocation, environmental impact, and the potential for social inequalities to be replicated or exacerbated in space. The question of who benefits from space activities and who bears the risks is central to her research.

Currently, space remains largely the domain of governments and wealthy private companies. However, as space travel becomes more accessible, the potential for a broader range of individuals to participate in space-based activities increases. The next steps involve further technological advancements, policy development, and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible and equitable space exploration.