d. c. 1500

Chinese rocketry pioneer. Wan Hu was reportedly a government official, though some sources identify him as a legendary or semi-legendary figure. In about 1500, he attached some 47 "fire-arrow rockets" or fireworks to two large kites, which were in turn attached to a chair. He then sat in the chair, and on his command, the 47 rockets were lit. The result was an explosion that took his life.