At a TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco, Varda Space Industries founder Will Bruey predicted that within 15 to 20 years, it will be more economical to send a working-class human to orbit for a month than to develop more advanced machines for space-based tasks. This projection, made weeks after Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos suggested that robots would be more cost-effective for space work, has sparked debate about the future of labor in space and the ethical considerations surrounding it.
The contrasting visions of Bezos and Bruey highlight a fundamental question: 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 implications of space labor, focusing on the social and ethical dimensions that often go unaddressed in discussions dominated by technological advancements and economic projections.
Rubenstein's work delves into the potential societal impacts of widespread space habitation and labor. She emphasizes the need to consider who will have access to space, what types of work they will be performing, and what protections will be in place to ensure fair labor practices. The current space industry is largely driven by private companies, raising concerns about the potential for exploitation and the need for regulatory frameworks to govern labor standards in space.
The debate around space labor also touches on the types of skills and expertise that will be most valuable in the future. While Bezos envisions a future where robots handle most of the physical tasks, Bruey's prediction suggests a continued need for human workers in space, particularly in roles that require adaptability and problem-solving skills. Varda Space Industries, for example, focuses on in-space manufacturing, which could require human oversight and intervention.
The discussion around space ethics is gaining momentum as the space industry continues to grow. As more companies and individuals venture into space, the need for clear guidelines and regulations becomes increasingly urgent. Rubenstein's work contributes to this conversation by highlighting the importance of considering the social and ethical implications of space exploration and development, ensuring that the benefits of space are shared equitably and that the rights of space workers are protected.
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