"Test after test is conducted upon the astronauts, and every immunization in the book is given to them so that they don’t chance contracting something while in space"
I'm sorry, but we have no idea what the hell is out in space as far as bacterial or viral diseases. You can't give immunizations for things you've never encountered. And it would be really difficult to get any truly intense medical help long term out in space because you wouldn't have any resources in the same amount as on Earth.
The Space Program for those other forms of research IS useful, but space travel just isn't feasible. The technology is still an issue as I believe the last time I read it would take about... what was it? 20 years? Or months or something? To get humans out to Mars in a SMALL spacecraft, with FEW people, thereby driving them insane with cabin fever.
And, I'm not trying to be rude or anything but I have to eat dinner, I will get back to my response afterwards.