I find it a bit annoying how much resource mining have to do, and how quick ship resources run out, I want to be able to explore the galaxy and different solar systems, so far haven't got the warp drive.
You can purchase ship technology upgrades to reduces things like fuel consumption.
Best advice is to mine asteroids and get some fuel that way (forget the name)
Surprised you don't have a warp yet? You can grind out a few fuel cells reasonably quickly, need to make antimatter and fuel cell capsule thing, then bobs your uncle.
Alternatively get rich and just purchase fuel cells