Blanchard at the Conquest of Space

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The conquest of space and the related rapid advances in technology have aroused passions. No no, I do not speak astronautics! They were balloons.

The great invention of de Montgolfier brothers date of 1783. For the first manned flight, the balloon (named a montgolfière) is inflated with hot air and tethered to the ground. The first free flight happened a month later.

A young mechanic, Jean-Pierre Blanchard, designed and tested the following year a hydrogen balloon, equipped with propeller and oars. The idea was viable: in 24 years, Blanchard ascended 66 times.

History has also considered the 45th ascent of Blanchard. On January 9, 1793, having left Philadelphia, he landed 16 km away. His departure had been honored by the presence of important figures, including Washington who had granted Blanchard a passport valid whatever the landing location. At Deptford, New Jersey, this machine of a new kind frightened the residents. For the first time a balloon had been flying over America.

The story of this journey, in 27 pages, was printed. A complete copy including the folding frontispiece showing the balloon is estimated at $ 8 K by Doyle in New York on October 28.

[Area Light Explorer]

How interesting!

I find it fascinating how history is constantly being rewritten- and hopefully improved upon with greater accuracy and comprehension.

I wonder how many copies were printed? 8K might be too low if you consider the social/ historical implications. These first flights predate the Wright Brothers by over a hundred years, which is noted as the first "heavier than air" machine flight and is often attributed as the dawn of aviation.

Certainly this aspect of Washington's presence poses worthy consideration. What future for his country would he have imagined knowing man could fly? Take us to the dawn of space travel- these accomplishments are points to be very proud of in the U.S. It was a romantic race into space driven by the support of a president. See us now considering manned space flights again- now to Mars. Certainly, many people look to the current president for the same kind of uncompromising commitment and to inspire innovation through leadership. The history of the Wright Brothers includes innovation, but lacks the emphasis of national support...and by a figurehead. Who better than Washington to represent!

Perhaps balloons just have not been so exciting to the imagination, and have not been so directly critical to the development of aviation and space flight. However, who knows what aviation challenges and solutions were originated in Blanchard's work? I think the use of hydrogen in particular to be very special. The book should be a fascinating read to broaden our picture of history. Not to mention the literary significance of accounting for the first "first-hand" experience of untethered flight. No doubt in my imagination that certain technical problems were off to an early start from gyro-stabilization to weather which are still critical to space flight today. Plus, many concept models for future aviation and space transport include...believe it or not...modern versions of Blanchard's craft. It appears, the significance of the event covered in this book has yet to be confined to the dusty shelves of history.

Best,

Anthony

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Hi Anthony !

Thanks for your comments.

Food for thought : many great technical improvements were developed in parallel by inventors who often did not know each other : telephone, automobile, phonograph, cinema. Interesting to know that Blanchard was already experiencing flying machines before the Montgolfier success. The year before Montgolfier he had tried a heavier than air but it failed to lift.

Another great invention of the same time was the parachute, invented by another engineer in 1783 and demonstrated by Blanchard as early as 1785.

Friendly

Pierre

[Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa]

I am pretty sure it was a very thrilling experience. That is the beauty of science. Whatever you do in your lab- even in world lab- it would be the first & the most exciting one.
Krishna

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The result is consistent with the estimate: 7.5 K $ excl, 9.4 K $ including premium.