Finally getting around to this:

The space program, as far as I can see, is designed to construct unbelievably expensive machines and launch them into space, where they explode, malfunction or lose contact with Earth. It is even less valuable than the nation's education program. If space exploration and research are so valuable, then all the people and companies who benefit from it should fund it. It is not a role of the government except insofar as it advances military research, and insofar as it does we can fund it. However, launching John Glenn into space so that the Baby Boomers can feel good about their golden years is Right Out.
That said, obviously it's a sad thing that several bright people died last week. But that tragedy shouldn't drive us into continued blindness about the actual value of investing in the space program.