Yeah, space misson seems inessential to laymen because there are so many problems (like poverty, lack of resources, pollution, population etc.) here on Earth which yet to settle, then how can we spend huge amount of money on space missions. [This mindset is basically more in developing countries like, India]

But it should be acknowledged that those space-missions have a long term benefits. As there is a race between countries to reach and more farther in space and planets and discover great new things for the country and the world. [Like in the history we had voyage to search for new lands and resources.]

So, we see outer space missions are important when our fossil fuels are going to end and popularity is rising constantly as human standard of living is increasing day-by-day.

Also we must another options after Earth where humans can live. No one knows the fate of Earth. :p :D

Awesome article. Thanks @physics-o-mania