If we want to get to Mars, we'll need 'gas stations' floating in space. NASA is working on it

NASA and Eta Space are preparing LOXSAT, a nine-month low-Earth-orbit mission to test 11 cryogenic fluid management and propellant transfer technologies.

The goal is to prevent boil-off and overpressure while moving liquid oxygen and other propellants in microgravity.

If successful, the demonstrations could make in-space fuel storage and refueling more practical and affordable.

That capability would be a key enabler for longer crewed missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.