Who were the first people to launch a hot air balloon?

The first people to successfully launch a hot air balloon were two French brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier. They are credited with inventing the hot air balloon and conducting the first unmanned flight on June 4, 1783, in Annonay, France. Their innovative design utilized heated air to create lift, marking a significant milestone in the history of flight. This achievement laid the groundwork for future developments in aviation and sparked interest in the possibilities of human flight.

The other choices reference key figures or groups in aviation history, but they were not related to the invention or initial launch of hot air balloons. The Wright Brothers, for instance, are known for their pioneering work in fixed-wing flight, while American military pilots and German aviators contributed to advancements in later aircraft technology. Thus, the Montgolfier brothers' early work is notable for being the very first instance of human flight in a hot air balloon context.