[Carry_Okie]

NASA shouldn't be assigned defense against anything, that's the job of DOD.

You think responding to natural disasters is a responsibility of DOD?

Gimme a break. NASA's job is whatever Congress says it is.

[ASA Vet]

You're correct about the job of NASA being what congress and the President say it is.
That's true of all government agencies including DOD.
They could decree that the Postal Service should be in charge of "losing" incoming objects
not just mail. ;-)

Elimination of an incoming object either missile or comet is much better suited to DOD.
NASA wouldn't be my first choice to handle an earthquake either.
FEMA comes to mind for that.
Please don't misunderstand, I don't dislike NASA. They should be doing space exploration.