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Lawmaker Teases Plans to Turn Moon Into 'Gas Station' for Deep Space Missions
Rep. Mike Haridopolos says the moon could be a critical refueling spot to take humans further beyond Earth than ever before.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:09am
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A key lawmaker has revealed that policymakers believe the moon could be transformed into a gateway for deep space exploration, serving as a critical refueling spot to propel humans further into the cosmos than ever before. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.), who chairs the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, explained that the moon's different mineral resources could help reduce the costs of creating higher energy sources, making it a potential 'gas station to space'.
Why it matters
The Artemis program, established during the first Trump administration, aims to establish a base on the moon and lay the foundation for a trip to Mars in the 2030s. Turning the moon into a refueling hub could be a crucial step in achieving these ambitious goals and pushing the boundaries of human space exploration.
The details
Haridopolos said that once astronauts are out of Earth's atmosphere, it will be much easier to propel them into deep space. The Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch on Wednesday, will take humans further into space than ever before and include a flyby around the moon. This will be the first time astronauts have gone past Earth's low orbit since 1972, the last time humans went to the moon. In 2028, NASA plans to attempt a crewed moon landing, marking a delay from earlier plans of achieving that feat by next year.
- Artemis II is scheduled for launch on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
- NASA is planning to attempt a crewed moon landing in 2028, a delay from earlier plans of achieving that feat by next year.
The players
Rep. Mike Haridopolos
A Republican congressman from Florida who chairs the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.
Artemis Program
A NASA program established during the first Trump administration that aims to establish a base on the moon and lay the foundation for a trip to Mars in the 2030s.
What they’re saying
“There are different types of minerals on the moon, and that might allow us to reduce some of the cost of creating higher energy sources, and in general, we think this could be a gas station to space.”
— Rep. Mike Haridopolos, Chair, House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
“It's really hard to break out of the Earth's atmosphere. That's why you need such strong, massive engines. Once you're out of the atmosphere, then you'll be a lot easier to propel into deep space.”
— Rep. Mike Haridopolos, Chair, House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
What’s next
In 2028, NASA is planning to attempt a crewed moon landing, marking a delay from earlier plans of achieving that feat by next year.
The takeaway
Transforming the moon into a refueling hub could be a crucial step in achieving the ambitious goals of the Artemis program and pushing the boundaries of human space exploration. By leveraging the moon's mineral resources, policymakers hope to reduce the costs of deep space missions and establish a gateway for further journeys into the cosmos.
