
4 0 c m
33cm
actual image size: 25cm x 32cm
Description
Coloured etching isued in Germany showing the first manned free flight ascent of a hot-air balloon. This balloon, made by the French brothers Joseph-Michel (1740-1810) and Jacques-Etienne (1745-1799) Montgolfier, was approximately 75 feet high and 49 feet in diameter with a capacity of 79,000 cubic feet. It was flown by the science teacher Francois Pilatre de Rozier, accompanied by an infantary officer, Francois Laurent, the Marquis d'Arlandes (1742-1809). After taking off from the gardens of the Chateau La Muette in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris, the balloon remained airborne for 25 minutes before landing safely at the Butte-aux-Cailles, about five and a half miles (8.5 km) away from their point of departure.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10218150
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library