According to Neil deGrasse Tyson Galileo got funding for his project due to its high utility in the context of war. This puts telescopes to the same category as

According to Neil deGrasse Tyson Galileo got funding for his project due to its high utility in the context of war. This puts telescopes to the same category as airplanes, rockets, satellites, nuclear powerplants, submarines and lots of other tech which has found its civilian usage as well. Isn't metallurgy in this category as well, you can either make stronger swords or plows. But I strongly agree with you that what new tech you'll discover from fundamental research.