1756-1785

French balloonist who, on November 21, 1783, became the first, along with François Laurent, marquis d'Arlandes, to fly a manned balloon over Paris. The balloon ascended to 500 feet (152.4 m), free of even a rope tied to the ground, and flew approximately 20 minutes, traveling 5.5 miles (8.85 km). Rozier was killed in a balloon of his own design, using hot air with a hydrogen balloon, as he attempted to cross the English Channel.