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Samsonite, the global leader in premium travel gear, has reached new heights in innovation by sending its lightest-ever suitcase, Proxis, to the edge of space. This groundbreaking launch took place just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. In collaboration with the pioneers at Sent Into Space, it showcases the remarkable fusion of travel technology and aerospace innovation.
The Proxis suitcase, designed with cutting-edge materials, returned to Earth fully intact, demonstrating Samsonite’s commitment to both durability and forward-thinking design.
Samsonite video of preparing, launching and landing the gold Samsonite Proxis carry-on suitcase. Image source: Samsonite
Proxis Launches in the Space
Proxis features Samsonite’s groundbreaking Roxkin™ outer shell, designed to redefine travel, and is renowned for its remarkable combination of lightness and strength. Weighing just 4.6 lbs, Proxis was selected for this space-bound mission, showcasing the brand’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible, not just on Earth but beyond.
“At Samsonite, innovation is in our DNA,” said Senior Director of Brand Marketing Nicole Adriance. “Sending Proxis into space is a bold testament to our century-long commitment to durability and design. This experiment with ‘Sent Into Space’ demonstrates how our case delivers performance under the most challenging conditions, withstanding not only the rigours of Earthbound travel but also the ultimate test—space—exemplifying the remarkable balance we’ve achieved between lightweight design and rugged durability, setting a new standard in the luggage industry.”
The launch, held under the crystal-blue sky at a secure launch site in the Mojave Desert, attracted an intimate crowd of space enthusiasts and industry insiders. As the Proxis ascended to the edge of space, reaching a height of over 130,000 feet, it embodied a message of limitless exploration and adventure—a new frontier for the future of travel.
The journey was accomplished using stratospheric balloon technology, leveraging the natural buoyancy of renewable hydrogen gas to lift Proxis high into the region of Near Space. The one-of-a-kind spacecraft, designed by Sent Into Space engineers, was equipped with a flight computer with satellite and radio communications systems that allowed the team on the ground to track the craft’s position in real time and recover it swiftly on its return to Earth. A self-deploying parachute system brought the craft down at a safe and controlled speed, while 360° and 4K camera systems documented the incredible journey.
Samsonite x Sent Into Space: Elevating Travel Innovation
Into Space’s Head of Projects, Dr Chris Rose, said, “The Proxis was a perfect passenger for our flight.” He added, “Incredibly robust, even in the freezing vacuum of space where the temperature drops below -85°F, but light enough to meet our stringent weight requirements—I’d love to take one on every spaceflight!”
Upon its return to Earth, the Proxis suitcase landed flawlessly, completely intact and without a single scratch. The advanced design and durability of Samsonite’s Roxkin™ outer shell were put to the ultimate test, enduring the extreme conditions of space travel and the controlled descent through the atmosphere. This extraordinary feat reinforces Samsonite’s commitment to creating resilient, high-performance travel gear that not only withstands the rigours of Earthbound travel but proves itself in even the most extreme environments.
This was a real-world demonstration of the Samsonite Proxis’ strength and lightness. On top of that, the test was achieved with no artificial intelligence involved.
