August 18

Born in Paris in 1769, André-Jacques Garnerin became fascinated by aeronautics under the mentorship of his older brother, Jacques. In 1795, he rose to prominence by making daring balloon flights and experimenting with descent mechanisms. On October 22, 1797, Garnerin performed the first successful parachute jump from a hot-air balloon, using a silk canopy without a rigid frame. His invention of the frameless parachute revolutionized aerial safety and laid the groundwork for modern parachuting. He gave public demonstrations across Europe, inspiring future aviators and inventors. Garnerin’s adventurous spirit and technical ingenuity made him a celebrated figure until his death in 1823.

Born in Montélimar, France in 1779, Louis de Freycinet joined the French Navy at a young age. He served aboard Nicolas Baudin’s expedition to Australia from 1800 to 1803, contributing to detailed coastal charts. In 1817, he led his own circumnavigation voyage on the ships Uranie and Physicienne, systematically mapping uncharted regions. Freycinet’s publications included comprehensive atlases and scientific observations that advanced hydrography and natural history. His work provided valuable data for navigators and helped popularize exploration in the scientific community. He continued to advise naval missions and preserve expedition records until his death in 1842.