The space program has given us tremendous advances in tech both directly and indirectly. It inspires highly intelligent people to be their best. And it gives people something to unify around, as when you see the world from above, you realize just how much we are all part of this pale blue dot. While I agree more needs to be done around poverty and affliction, I don’t think this is one of those “trade-offs”. There are so many more undeserving govt programs that offer little to no value in society that could be scrapped and whose funds could be better used. But imho, NASA is not one of them. Not to mention its budget is a mere fraction of so many other programs.