This is is a real feel-good success story and all for 2.5 GBP a year. The frustrating side of this is that the UK Government gives hundreds of millions of GBP in aid per year to nations like India, who have their own space program. Just imagine how this money could be used to transform the landscape and environment in the UK itself.
I mean, there is valid criticism of any aid program, and you pick that?
Ie just like if your cousin decides to buy a Ferrari, you probably should not have to to support him financially.
A space program is not a luxury.
It's not like the USA or USSR didn't have their share of problems or pockets of crushing poverty when they were engaging in the space race, either.
Space Program is more of an investment than luxury.
It's not about propping up poor economies: it's a diplomatic tool.
You may have perfectly legitimate reasons to support your Ferrari buying cousin, if you thought he was going to buy a house (or on the scale of an economy, build a factory in return).
It's likely money well spent.