Lunar X-Games
I've already speculated about the Lunar Olympics, and now NASA are talking about the Lunar X-Games.
Given the recent advances in Space Tourism - how many years before this becomes a reality?
NASA - Lunar X-Games
The Moon would be a great place for X Games. Don't laugh. NASA is returning to the Moon, and where people go—especially adventurous people—sports follow.
The Moon's rugged terrain and low gravity are going to appeal to extreme athletes. Imagine what a Motocross Freestyler could do in 1/6 g. He revs his engine, tears up the ramp and soars into the sky--6 times higher and 6 times farther than usual. That's Big Air.
Dirt bikers would love it, too. Lunar impact craters provide natural racing turns and jumps. And there's plenty of moondust to cushion a hard landing. Of course, the track would need to be six times bigger than Earth tracks. Otherwise, in 1/6 g, the biker might fly right out of the park: video.
Some events like skateboarding or BMX jumping could be held indoors, inside pressurized domes. For those athletes, dress and equipment would look Earth-normal.
Other events, like dirt biking, need to be outdoors. That's where the dirt is. Out there, the gear is going to be a little different.
I reckon the "Lunar X-Games" and the "Lunar Olympics" will be spectacular events - but the lack of air and water leaves surfers and skydivers out of the picture - although snowboarders will probably enjoy the craters and ramps.
The prospect of a 40+ metre long jump, a 20+ metre high jump and a pole vault of 30+ metres will enticing enough for athletes to want to compete - even if the facilities of the "Olympic Camp" will probable be cramped and rudimentary. Skateboarders can build ramps higher than their their eye can see - and just how high can a ski-jumpers' ramp get?
One bad thing - although track, field and board sports will be great in the Lunar Olympics - there wont be any freefall and skyflying events - there's no atmosphere, nor will there be any surfing - there's no waves, although you could import or make enough water to have a lunar olympic sized swimming pool - who's for the 30+ metre high dive?
Tags: lunar olympics, lunar x-games, space tourism, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, motocross, skateboard, dirtbikes