Starting life as a lunar motorcycle concept sketch by Russian designer Andrew Fabishevskiy, designer Nico von Hookie (of Hookie Co) took notice, and instantly wanted to turn the NASA dream into a reality. Thus, the Hookie Tardigrade has lift-off.
Dubbed the Tardigrade after the micro ‘water bear’ that can survive in the extreme conditions of space, the NASA dream-bike won't actually make it to the moon, instead headed straight for the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
But that doesn't mean it wasn't constructed to a high standard. The German-based moto designers built this to theoretically explore the moon’s surface: the rider is able to utilise the framework to carry varying equipment, with an imposed speed limit of 9 mph and range of around 70 miles - that’s pretty good for space.
Starting life as a Cake Ösa, the limitations of space were fully explored in development.
Lightweight materials were used in the creation of the space motorcycle, airless carbon tyres are mounted to an aluminium cage, and the bike can be easily disassembled (the front end can come off in 2 minutes) for space-saving. The whole unit weighs 134kg.
It goes without saying, it runs on electricity. So you could recharge it on the lunar lander - apparently there are no petrol stations on the moon.
Of particular note is the electronic steering, controlled via an app and electric motor.
The finished bike is to be displayed in the ADV:Overland exhibition from mid-October 2021, and you can see it at the Petersen Automotive Museum - I know I’d be there if I could.
NASA would be proud of the Hookie Co Tardigrade moon motorcycle
From the Hookie site: “Simultaneously, (the Tardigrade) is a symbol for the disentanglement of the mind. And for empowerment. The entire project ignores borders - those of countries, continents, role stereotypes and the status quo.”
Would it work on Earth? No, probably not. But is it endlessly cool, and pretty much the epitome of all space-enthused motorcycle fanatics? Yes.
Beam me up, Hookie, I want to ride on the moon!
Source: Motorrad,
