NASA satellite to test space ‘gas station’ tech for moon and Mars trips

NASA will launch LOXSAT to low Earth orbit later this year on a Rocket Lab Photon to test cryogenic fuel handling in space.

The nine-month mission will evaluate 11 technologies for storing, managing, and transferring super-cold propellants in microgravity.

The focus is on liquid oxygen and reducing boiloff, a key challenge for on-orbit refueling.

If successful, the work could support propellant depots and make long-duration Moon and Mars missions more practical.