The first group of conspiracies question the feasibility of the mission:

• The odds of a successful Moon landing were calculated to be 6000 to 1 against (or probability 0.000167).

This figure of 6000 to 1 against a successful mission is put forward by Bill Kaysing, although it is unclear exactly how the figure was calculated or from which data.

NASA and GEC did computer simulations involving every aspect the mission. The results consistently gave a projected success rate of over 90%.

• The Lunar Module (LM) crashed in testing on Earth, yet worked perfectly six times in space.

There were two types of training vehicle: the Lunar Landing Research Vehicles (LLRV); and the more advanced Lunar Landing Training Vehicles (LLTV). These vehicles were different to the actual LM, having jet engines to mimic the reduced weight of the LM in space, and rocket thrusters to simulate the LM's guidance thrusters.

There is footage of Neil Armstrong ejecting from an LLRV after its steering guidance system failed. This is the evidence that conspiracy theorists focus on. In reality, hundreds of successful tests were completed.

The actual LM was tested continuously also: its components on Earth; and its performance in space, notably during other Apollo missions. The only untested aspect of the LM was its ability to land on the Moon. Due to the extensive testing undergone, the LM landed safely on the Moon's surface using its computer controlled guidance and gyroscopic inertial control systems.

• Apollo's computer system was not powerful enough for such a complex mission.

It is true that by today's standards the computer system used on Apollo would be thought of as very basic. The misconception, however, is that too much emphasis is placed on the role of the computer in the missions. The onboard computer was only used for one purpose: guidance. A task for which it was perfectly adequate.

The real computer work was done on Earth using mainframe computers. Results of complex calculations were transmitted to the onboard computer which could act upon them.

• The Apollo craft never left Earth's orbit.

This is not a very credible theory. Satellites in orbit are easily tracked by radar, and many are actually visible to the naked eye. The Apollo craft, being much larger than satellites, would have been the brightest object in orbit. It is inconceivable that it could have remained in orbit without being noticed by anyone.

• The crew could not survive the journey through the Van Allen radiation belts.

The Van Allen belts are two belts of radiation that surround the Earth and are held in place by the Earth's magnetic field. They are doughnut shaped and are more intense around the equator. High energy particles exist in these belts and can be a hazard to both humans and electronic equipment.There are two reasons why the radiation was considered to be of little risk:
It only took one hour for the craft to pass through the radiation belts therefore reducing exposure time.
The spacecraft avoided the centre of the belts, and therefore the most intense radiation.The astronauts received a radiation dose of less than 1% of that which is considered lethal.