It's not unnecessary when there is a toddler in the room? What is the value of defense if your child is dead? Maybe you don't have children?

In an admittedly extreme and roundabout way, you could say that projects like this are akin to spending money on school. Research findings will help everyone (In India and elsewhere) learn more about space. I have to agree that putting these things in contrast with where 1st world countries are spending their money is startling. It makes you wonder what smaller countries would do if they had the money that countries like america have. If they spent it like america does I really don't think the earth would exist anymore.