Samsonite launches suitcase into space to test durability

The suitcase manufacturer Samsonite launched the Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner to an altitude of about 40 kilometers to test its crash resistance. Not only did the suitcase pass the test, but the entire stunt was documented in a video.

The Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner, currently priced at $425, was sent into space and then returned to Earth, where it made a spectacular landing, according to snippets released by the company.

After enduring temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, the suitcase successfully descended from the stratosphere at controlled speeds, thanks to a self-deploying parachute system, as reported by the travel site Travel + Leisure.

This achievement was made in collaboration with the marketing agency Sent Into Space, which specializes in sending products skyward to see if they can survive the adventure.

Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner launched into space

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"This suitcase is the lightest and most durable ever made by the company, weighing just 4.6 kilograms. The outer shell is made from Rockskin, a material created specifically for the brand that is made from a ‘recyclable, multilayer material that is highly responsive to different conditions," according to Travel + Leisure.

“The suitcase is incredibly strong yet lightweight, and the balance between weight and strength is where resilience comes from,” said Ulliyada Bopanna, Vice President of Design and Innovation at Samsonite.

Sent Into Space has launched a wide variety of products over the years, from blenders to Barbie dolls. "Samsonite’s instructions were simple—and bold,” shared Dr. Chris Rose, Head of Projects and Business Development at Sent Into Space. The brand asked him to "throw" the suitcase against a mountain—and that’s exactly what he did. "I’m glad we could find that mountain for them," he added, "because the footage speaks for itself."