From Site to Height - Ram Rocketry
The following below tells a cohesive story of the locations, process, and results of the CSU aerospace organization, Ram Rocketry's work. Each piece highlights the struggles of effort, planning, timing, and teamwork needed to structure a launch of DIY rockets. And the catharsis of a successful one...
Where Inspiration Starts
The tree that stands out in front of the Engineering Building entrance is one of the first things many students walk past on March 9th, 2026. This is where Ram Rocketry meets weekly to go over updates, digital edits, and more at Colorado State University.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 32 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec
The Make-Or-Break Adjustments
One of the Senior Design Team members adjusts wiring within the main engine on March 6th, 2026. These last checks for function in the Engineering Research Center before the following launch day are essential. © Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 79 mm
ISO Exposure: 3200
Aperture: f/8.0
Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
Finished Pre-Launch Check
The Senior Design Team of Ram Rocketry look over their prepared engine and parachute design for tomorrow's Atlas Site Launch on March 6th, 2026. In spite of the chaotic workspace, these checks and even re-checks, are mandatory for a successful launch.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Exposure: 3200
Aperture: f/8.0
Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
Out in the Open for Safety
The cleared dirt path to the Atlas Launch site remains shaky even with melted snow on March 7th, 2026. This site is one of two primary locations in Northern Colorado Rocketry's licensing for permitted testing.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
Critical Parachute Prep
The landing parachute for the Active Fin Stabilization rocket is prepared for insertion on March 7th, 2026. The cheap design is serviceable for the rocket's size and re-entry weight at the NCR Atlas Launch Site.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 20 mm
ISO Exposure: 200
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec
The Tedious Systems Preparation
Jacob Hanson checks over the BU1 club kit rocket for the rope length and sturdiness on March 7th, 2026. This is one of various adjustments that are tested through data to ensure the rocket's stable launch, similar to the "Long Shot" AFS rocket.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
Verbal Ground Test Assurance
Jay Suthar, President of Ram Rocketry, verbally checks with the other team members over the ground testing on March 7th, 2026. This is one of the only tests Ram Rocketry can run before mid-day, whereas otherwise they would have to run the AFS Rocket test on the later first Saturday of April.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 32 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
Ground Test Success
The Ram Rocketry Team pose for a portrait after a successful ground test on March 7th, 2026. Everyone is delighted with the confirmation the rocket engine and calculations are functional for the Atlas Launch site.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
Excitement and Worry Mounted
Lucas Larson inserts his own BU1 club kit rocket for launch at the Atlas Launch Site on March 7th, 2026. The firing system is remote and electronic, so Lucas can safely and securely place the rocket to watch at a distance.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
Clear Skies Ahead
The BU1 club kit rocket is secured and its wiring is double-checked with tape to maintain functionality at the Atlas Launch Site on March 7th, 2026. This is a normal last-second check by the engineers before letting Joe Hinton remotely launch.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Exposure: 400
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
The Aftermath
The aftermath smoke of one of the many other rockets at the Atlas Launch site on March 7th, 2026. The smoke floating away echos the feeling that every successful rocket test leaves behind; pride.
© Photo by Bryce Nagy.
Focal Length: 22 mm
ISO Exposure: 200
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec
