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 would be more cost-effective than developing advanced machines for the same tasks. This projection, made weeks after Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos suggested that robots would primarily handle space labor due to cost-effectiveness, has sparked discussions about the future of space labor and the ethical considerations surrounding it.

The contrasting visions of Bezos and Bruey highlight a key debate within the burgeoning space industry: 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, is exploring these questions. She spoke about the social and ethical implications of space labor, particularly concerning who gets access to these opportunities and the potential for exploitation.

Bezos, speaking at a tech conference in Italy in October, envisioned millions living in space within decades, largely driven by the desire to be there, with robots handling the bulk of the work. Bruey's counterpoint suggests a different trajectory, one where human labor, potentially lower-paid labor, becomes economically viable in orbit. This raises concerns about the types of jobs available, the safety standards in place, and the overall well-being of space workers.

Rubenstein's work delves into the philosophical and ethical dimensions of space exploration and development. She examines the potential for space to become a new frontier for social and economic inequality, questioning who benefits from space resources and opportunities. The discussion extends beyond the technical feasibility of space labor to encompass issues of justice, equity, and the potential for creating a more inclusive spacefaring future.

The debate surrounding space labor is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing private sector involvement in space activities. Companies like Varda Space Industries, which focuses on space manufacturing, are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in orbit. As the cost of accessing space decreases, the question of who gets to participate and under what conditions becomes increasingly urgent. The next few years will likely see further advancements in both robotics and human spaceflight capabilities, shaping the future of space labor and the ethical framework that governs it.