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Samsonite launched a suitcase into space, then threw it away – here’s what happened next
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Samsonite launched a suitcase into space, then threw it away – here’s what happened next

Bang! Zoom! Straight to the moon!

Luggage maker Samsonite filmed a piece of luggage up to 130,000 feet to test its durability – and not only did the expensive roller pass the test with flying colours, the whole stunt was caught on video.

The Proxis Global Carry-on Spinnerwhich currently retails for $425, was catapulted into space before landing on Earth – where it crashed in spectacular fashion, according to images released by the company.

After enduring temperatures as low as -85 F, the suitcase was able to descend from the stratosphere at controlled speeds thanks to a self-deploying parachute system, Travel + leisure reported.

The video first shows the product’s landing gear.

The feat was carried out in partnership with marketing agency Sent Into Space, which specializes in sending products to high altitudes to see if they can survive the adventure.

The bag is said to be the company’s lightest and most durable ever – weighing just 4.6 kilograms. The outer shell is made of Roxkin, a material created for the brand, made “recyclable, multi-layered and highly responsive material”, per T+L.

“It’s very strong but extremely light, and from that weight-to-strength ratio comes strength,” said Ulliyada Bopanna, vice president of design and innovation at Samsonite.

During its journey, Proxis survived extreme conditions, reaching temperatures as low as -85°F before reaching an altitude of 130,000 feet, three times the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner. Samsonite/YouTubeDuring its journey, Proxis survived extreme conditions, reaching temperatures as low as -85°F before reaching an altitude of 130,000 feet, three times the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner. Samsonite/YouTube

During its journey, Proxis survived extreme conditions, reaching temperatures as low as -85°F before reaching an altitude of 130,000 feet, three times the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner. Samsonite/YouTube

After landing from its controlled fall intact and unharmed, Proxis proved that no journey is too far and no adventure too daring, Samsonite said. Samsonite/YouTubeAfter landing from its controlled fall intact and unharmed, Proxis proved that no journey is too far and no adventure too daring, Samsonite said. Samsonite/YouTube

After landing from its controlled fall intact and unharmed, Proxis proved that no journey is too far and no adventure too daring, Samsonite said. Samsonite/YouTube

Sent Into Space has released a wide range of products over the years — from blenders to Barbie dolls.

Samsonite’s instructions were simple – and bold, said Dr. Chris Rose, Sent to Space’s head of projects and business development.

The brand asked him to “slam” the suitcase “into a mountain” – and he did.

“I’m glad we could find that mountain for them,” he told T+L. “Because the footage speaks for itself.”