For PandaPrank, August 2024 was a truly memorable time. We successfully launched our sneakers 30 kilometers into the stratosphere and safely brought them back to Earth. A dedicated team drove hundreds of kilometers, stayed awake for over 20 hours, and worked tirelessly toward a shared goal, ultimately capturing the rare image of our sneakers coexisting with the sun and the moon. When we decided to pursue this project, no one knew how it would turn out, but when it comes to "MAKE SOME CHANGES," we mean it.
The story of PandaPrank’s exploration journey dates back to 2022. Humanity’s pursuit of the stars and the cosmos has been a deep-seated dream since the dawn of civilization. Starting with the first cosmic exploration-themed project in 2022, our quest has never ceased. A persistent desire to get closer to the other side of the sky and a daring spirit to face challenges ultimately brought us to 30 kilometers above the Earth, where we discovered the essence of our brand. "Breaking conventional perceptions, creating an undefined reinterpretation brand."
Let’s rewind to July 23rd, following our journey to chase a sunrise.
"7/23 3:00 PM"
We decided to launch the sneakers in the early hours of July 24th, hoping to capture the moment when the sunrise and moon appear together.
That afternoon, our team transitioned from the hot and humid coastal region to the northeastern plains. Upon arrival, we immediately rushed to the makeshift workspace. Some team members had already been working late nights for a week, hastily preparing the equipment.
The weather conditions weren’t as predicted. The overcast sky in Shenyang made us uneasy, as weather was the key determinant of a successful launch. Rain began to fall as we traveled, and everyone silently checked weather updates, hoping for a smooth operation.
"7/23 9:00 PM"
Striving for perfection is never easy—it demands countless compromises. The weight of the equipment would affect the launch altitude or even prevent the launch entirely. The team debated fiercely whether to launch one sneaker or a pair. The founder believed that launching a complete pair would be more meaningful, but it also doubled the risks.
To test the GPS signal accuracy, we ran circles late into the night with the GPS device.
Believe it or not, when you're in a heightened state of excitement, exhaustion simply doesn’t exist. Everyone was laser-focused, feeling that even shaving off a single gram of weight was significant. What started as a casual remark two years ago had now materialized into a pursuit of an almost impossible goal—a feeling that was truly extraordinary.
"7/24 12:30 AM"
We chose the border between Inner Mongolia and Liaoning as the launch site. To complete the launch before sunrise at 4:30 AM, we had to drive there overnight. At this point, the rain had not stopped, and in some places, water on the roads was ankle-deep. Thankfully, the rain ceased by 2:00 AM, and the wind was minimal—ideal conditions for the launch. Hearts began to race uncontrollably.
"7/24 3:30 AM"
One hour to launch. We assembled and inspected all components, ensuring the equipment was functioning correctly. Rubber mats were laid out to keep the helium balloon free from dust. Sweat and oils from hands could corrode the balloon, so everyone wore gloves and handled everything with care.
As the balloon inflated, it took four people to hold it down. The eastern horizon began to glow faintly red, and we had to speed up. Connecting the balloon to the equipment marked the end of our preparations. Everything happened so quickly that before anyone realized, the countdown had begun.
You thought the story ended there? Not so fast—we’ve only reached the halfway point. Launching a pair of sneakers is the easy part; the real challenges come after.
Around 6:30 AM, the GPS signal updated, indicating a location more than 40 kilometers from the launch site. We rushed to the coordinates to retrieve the sneakers. It was late July, and the cornfields had grown wild. When we arrived, everyone was stunned. Here’s the question: how do you find a pair of sneakers in hundreds of acres of cornfields taller than a person?
After two hours of combing through the cornfields, covered in pollen, we had barely scratched the surface—not even 1/100 of the area. Truth be told, we couldn’t measure our progress since the GPS had only provided a general location, which turned out to be a vast sea of corn. After that, the GPS stopped updating, and all leads went cold. As time passed, we began to accept the possibility of failure. Rather than wander aimlessly with no end in sight, we chose to regroup, prepare new equipment, and attempt a second launch.
This wasn’t the first challenge we’d faced. Every project comes with its share of obstacles. For PandaPrank, giving up has never been an option. Pushing through and turning things around is the guiding principle we believe in. This is a process that demands strong team alignment—from planning to execution, it’s never a straightforward journey. Fortunately, PandaPrank has never lacked team cohesion.
Just when we thought we’d have to start from scratch, the outcome we had silently hoped for but never dared to say aloud finally appeared.
Three days after leaving the cornfields, the GPS signal updated again. A new location popped up. We immediately drove to the new site and, just five kilometers from the cornfields, in a small wooded area, we found the sneakers. At that moment, PandaPrank’s exploration mission was complete!
When we reached the finish line, there were so many stories left untold and so many emotions we hadn’t figured out how to express. Words and images could never fully convey what we experienced—the twists and turns defy explanation. Yet, we still want to share this moment, this uncontrollable urge to express our excitement.
An extraordinary mission, a team that refuses to give up, and a brand that defies definition. Three years of the “Cosmic Exploration Series” have shown us that the most important part has always been the word exploration. The meaning of exploration lies in the footprints left behind and the reflections that follow each step.
In the end, we succeeded in traveling from Earth to the stratosphere, pausing briefly at 30 kilometers above ground. We’ve always yearned to feel, experience, and explore the unknown. With the courage to follow our hearts, we leave behind our marks and discover the essence of our brand.
MAKE SOME CHANGES
Imagine this: someday in the future, we might truly reach the farthest horizons. PandaPrank’s journey of exploration has no final chapter. Every step is a quest into the unknown, every adventure a challenge to ourselves—making the impossible happen.
