RHINOSHIELD Case Survives 30-Kilometer Drop from Stratosphere

The test took place on June 24 at the Esrange Space Center, where a high-altitude balloon carried the device into the stratosphere. Exposed to temperatures as low as –60°C and near-vacuum atmospheric pressure, the phone remained unprotected by any external heating or housing. After the balloon reached an altitude three times higher than a standard commercial flight, a remote-release mechanism triggered the descent, sending the device plummeting toward the ground.

Upon recovery, officials confirmed the phone was fully functional, capable of making calls and capturing photos. According to Dr. Chris Rose, co-founder of the aerospace firm Sent Into Space, the success was far from guaranteed given the logistical hurdles of remote terrain and extreme atmospheric conditions. RHINOSHIELD CEO Eric Wang stated that the record serves as a proof-of-concept for the brand's circular design philosophy, which relies on a single-material construction intended to be 100% recyclable. The AirX series, which recently secured accolades from the iF Design and Red Dot awards, utilizes internal air-cushioning technology to manage impact forces, a feature the company hopes to validate as a new standard for sustainable, high-durability mobile accessories.