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 be more economical for space labor, has sparked debate about the future of human involvement 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, addressed these concerns, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks to guide space exploration and development. Rubenstein noted the importance of considering the social and economic implications of space labor, particularly if it becomes more accessible to working-class individuals.

Bezos, speaking at a tech conference in Italy in October, envisioned millions of people living in space within the next few decades, largely driven by personal desire, with robots handling the bulk of the work due to their cost-effectiveness. Bruey's counter-argument suggests a future where human labor in space becomes economically viable, potentially creating new opportunities but also raising questions about worker rights, safety, and equitable access to space employment.

The discussion around space labor ethics is gaining momentum as companies like Varda Space Industries push forward with plans for in-space manufacturing. Varda aims to leverage the unique environment of space to produce materials and products that are difficult or impossible to create on Earth. This includes pharmaceuticals, high-performance alloys, and advanced semiconductors. The company's business model relies on sending automated capsules to orbit, where these materials are manufactured before returning to Earth.

The long-term implications of these developments are significant. As space becomes more accessible, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that space labor is conducted responsibly and sustainably. Rubenstein's insights underscore the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and ethicists to address the complex challenges and opportunities presented by the expanding human presence in space.