Hey! Thanks for your comment and thanks for backing! You could definitely "cheat" the repair rolls by coasting back through explored sectors. I think that would rob the game of challenge a little bit but it's ultimately up to you and the narrative you create. This is a loophole I noticed myself and the sort of thing I work to refine as I continue to develop games.
You could keep rolling Exploration when traveling through explored sectors, just don't add to the sector tally. Or you could avoid spending too much time in explored space unless the ship is in dire straits.
Thanks again!