COMPLETE STATIC READING EDITION
Where is the blast pit, and why is there no dust on the footpads?
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A rocket landing should leave a hole.
The descent engine could produce about 10,000 pounds of thrust. On Earth, rocket launches blast deep scars into the ground. A landing on powdery soil should dig a crater and cover the footpads in dust. [1]
Primary institutional record. Carried from the first edition and re-listed 23 October 2026; cited for the specific point in the text.
Low thrust, vacuum and no air to carry dust.
By touchdown the engine was throttled down to a fraction of its maximum, enough only to hold up a lander that weighed one-sixth as much as on Earth. In a vacuum the exhaust spreads out immediately, so its pressure on the ground is low. Armstrong described the result: no crater, but radial streaks where the soil had been blown away. [1]
Dust was a real problem. Apollo 12’s crew could barely see the ground through it during landing. [2] Without air, the dust flew outward in straight lines and fell, rather than billowing and settling on the footpads.
The engine was also cut off at, or just after, first contact. NASA is still testing how plumes and soil interact because Artemis landers are far bigger. [3]
What we can’t tell you. No exact excavation depth is claimed.
Primary institutional record. Carried from the first edition and re-listed 23 October 2026; cited for the specific point in the text.
NASA2005 synthesis of Apollo experience, including descent erosion, visibility and contamination. Official NTRS PDF HTTP200 verified; older ALSJ and SMA mirrors failed in this check.
Primary institutional record. Carried from the first edition and re-listed 23 October 2026; cited for the specific point in the text.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS FILE
2 claims people make about this file, each rated documented, partly true, disputed, unproven or false. Think a rating is wrong? Use Dispute or Support, or join the Discussion.
The engine was throttled down and the soil is firm under a thin dust layer.
Who says it: Kaysing, Fox 2001.
In vacuum, dust flew away on straight paths instead of settling.
Who says it: Hoax sites.
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