Some space research should still be funded, but not as a major priority.
Most of our ancestors probably did think that before sailing the seas, they were focused on feeding themselves, fighting off diseases and other tribes, learning how to build. While others focused on making boats and sailing. Sailing became what it is now because society survived long enough for sailing to develop. Similarly, if we as a species can keep ourselves alive long enough, gradual progress towards space exploration will develop into much more.
The worst part is that it was a job-box we were locked out of. There were probably 4 drills and numerous other tools to destroy the lock and get inside.