The race to the sky - Hot air or Hydrogen balloon
A hot air balloon won the race to carry a man into the skies on 21st November 1783 but it could well have been a gas balloon.
Joseph Montgolfier had been carrying out experiments with small scale hot air balloons manufactured from fine silk using the heat from burning paper to generate enough lift to propel the balloon to the ceiling of his apartment.
The man who began it all, Joseph Montgolfier
Encouraged by this success he and his brother Etianne set about secretly building larger unmanned balloons and carrying out the experiments in the open air, first to a height of 70ft and then on 25th April 1783 achieving over 1000ft in height and a distance of 1km.
It was time to go public and on 5th June official, nobles & peasantry gathered in the town square of Annonay to witness a balloon, about the size of a large 4x4 take to the skies. It’s flight lasting for 10 minutes took it to a height of 6000ft and travelled less than 1km. News the great achievement spread quickly to Paris where it caused a great sensation and much speculation among the learned members of the Academy of Science who were somewhat piqued by it.
The first balloon ascent from Annonay. June 1783
Who where these brothers Montgolfier and what is this mysterious gas they had discovered? So far as the Parisian scientist were concerned there was only one gas know to produce this result, hydrogen.
The honor and reputation of the Academy was at stake. The race was underway.
The physicists Professor Jacques Charles offered to produce a balloon and raised funds through a public subscription. Sulphuric acid poured onto iron filings created the inflammable hydrogen gas to be used lift the balloon into the sky the balloon itself manufactured from silk with a internal liner on rubber to stop leakage.
It was inflated on 25th August with progress reports issued to the public through bulletins. The scientist worked in comparative peace until they allowed it to rise above the walls of the Place des Victoires on a 100ft rope then it became almost impossible to hold back the huge crowds wanting to take a look.
It was quickly decided to relocate the ‘Globe’ as it was now called to a more suitable, safer location for all to witness it’s free unmanned ascent into the skies. The Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower now stands was chosen.
To the sound of a single cannon shot the balloon was released in the presence of the population of Paris who filled ever vantage point. The balloon remained airborne for over 45 minutes falling back to earth nearby the town of Gonesse 25km away. It was set upon by terrified peasants and nearly destroyed with pitchforks and muskets.
The Montgolfier brothers were fortunate enough to be in Paris to watch the spectacle and were now more determined to complete their own preparations, quickly.
The sheep, the cock and the duck become airborne. Versailles September 1783
An elaborately decorated balloon, 57ft high and 41ft in diameter was quickly built and test flown prior to its transportation the Palace of Versailles where it was presumed that a man would ascend in the balloon. But King Louis had refused permission stating that it was too dangerous. As a compromise it was decided that a sheep, duck and cock would fly first to prove that flight was safe for man.
In the presence of the Royalty and First Ministers of the Court the flight was a great success. The sheep was found happily grazing in the landing field, the duck in good spirits but the Cock had sustains some minor damage to it’s wing but this apparently had been caused by the sheep kicking the Cock before take off.
With confidence in the safety of balloon flight restored the scene was set for final sprint to the line.
Who would become, The first Aeronauts?