Inventions and scientific research of the atmosphere during the 18th century had a large impact on balloon and airship technology as we know it today.  During this time period, many inventions were experimented such as coal gas, guide ropes, automatic ballasts, hydrogen generators and engine propellers, in an effort to make balloons more safe and effectively useful.  Mid 18th century balloons had no steering capabilities, until the development of dirigibles or airships.  The first of these balloons used sails in an attempt to steer the aircraft through the air.  Later developments, used lightweight oars made of cloth stretched over a wood frame.  Henri Giffard was the first to use a steam engine with propellers to control a spindle-shaped balloon in 1852.  These balloons carried engines with propellers to drive them through the air and rudders to steer them. Although the coal gas was cheaper than hydrogen, it was unsuccessful because the gas was proven to be heavier.   In 1898, Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont experimented with the first gasoline powered balloon aircrafts, which in later years proves to be a success.
 

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