Actually a little bit of humiliation goes a long way towards diligence when conducting expensive space experiments. Russia used to be the leaders in these fields. The world used to rely on Soviet vehicles for launch. They deserve to be held at a higher standard.

I care very much about science. However, it's not the only thing I care about, and thwarting Russia's endeavours are also right up there. Real lives are at stake as opposed to hypothetical and abstract scientific returns. If Russia's humiliation causes Putin's regime to collapse quicker then I care about that very much indeed.

How much science was really going to come out of this lander, in the grand scheme of things? Why can't that science wait?