Microsoft partner sends Surface Book 2 into space

Curo Talent tests new Microsoft device in unorthodox fashion

You've probably heard of teardown websites hacking a new device to bits when it's launched, but you've probably not heard of that new device being fired into space by way of a durability test.

Well, Microsoft partner Curo Talent has sent the new Microsoft Surface Book 2 into space, with the device returning from the 21-mile journey undamaged.

Curo Talent, which partners with Microsoft to provide freelance specialists for projects, launched the laptop into the stratosphere from Swindon using a hydrogen-inflated balloon (pictured), with the device landing 100 miles away and undamaged two and a half hours later.

The Surface Book was sent beyond the Armstrong limit (the point from which humans can survive only in a pressurised environment) and arrived back in Ely, Cambridgeshire via a parachute.

Mark Sewell, chief information officer at Curo Talent, said: "We weren't sure whether the Surface Book 2 would survive its journey.

"However, we were pleased to hear from the landing team that the Surface Book 2 not only survived its mission, but is in perfect working condition."

The project was run in conjunction with Sent Into Space - an organisation which featured on BBC's Dragons' Den and specialises in sending objects into space.

Dan Blaney, business operations manager at Sent Into Space, said: "Through the journey we can not only track the exact location of the balloon at all times, but also find out useful information about its journey.

"For this mission, we know that the Surface Book 2 survived temperatures of near -60°C, air pressure of less than one per cent of sea level air and speeds of over 210 miles per hour on descent.

"The fact that the device survived and still works is very impressive."

The trip was recorded by an on-board camera, with the video set to be uploaded to Curo's YouTube page.