In an impressive demonstration of durability, Samsonite recently took their Proxis suitcase to new heights—literally. Partnering with Sent Into Space, an innovative UK company known for their high-altitude stunts, Samsonite sent the Proxis soaring to the edge of space before it made a safe return to Earth, fully intact.

The journey started in the Mojave Desert, just outside Las Vegas, where the Proxis was launched using a stratospheric balloon filled with renewable hydrogen gas. Reaching 130,000 feet (around 40 kilometers), the suitcase encountered conditions akin to the edge of space, a region with near-zero pressure and temperatures as low as -85°F. While it didn’t hit the official “space boundary” (100 kilometers), it still soared high enough to capture the Earth’s curvature against a backdrop of darkness.

Samsonite’s Proxis, made with its exclusive Roxkin material, isn’t just lightweight; it’s built tough, and this test drove that point home. Sent Into Space designed a special capsule to house the Proxis, complete with advanced satellite and radio tracking systems, allowing real-time updates on its position and altitude. After reaching peak height, a self-deploying parachute system controlled the descent, bringing the suitcase gently back to Earth. 4K and 360° cameras documented every moment of the journey, making sure nothing was left to the imagination.

Dr. Chris Rose, Head of Projects at Sent Into Space, praised the Proxis’s resilience, saying, “It held up incredibly well, even in the freezing vacuum of near-space. It’s lightweight, durable, and certainly met all our requirements for the flight. I’d gladly take it on future space missions!”

Upon landing, the Proxis was inspected and found entirely unscathed, its structure intact, without a scratch. For Samsonite, the project highlighted the advanced engineering behind the Roxkin outer shell, which provides both flexibility and strength—qualities every traveler values in a suitcase.

Reflecting on this feat, Nicole Adriance, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Samsonite, noted, “Innovation is at the core of everything we do. Sending Proxis into near-space was an exciting way to showcase its durability. It proves that our luggage can withstand even the most extreme conditions, setting a new standard for quality and endurance in the travel industry.”

This daring venture wasn’t just about creating buzz; it’s a testament to Samsonite’s commitment to high-performance design. The Proxis space drop truly redefines what travelers can expect from a suitcase—whether it’s a simple trip or, perhaps, the ultimate adventure.