High. Science and technology are of the utmost importance in a mission to land on another world. In addition to the technology needed just to get off Earth and to another world, there will be scientific exploration of the new world. So yes, rocket science, but also geology, botany, meteorology, biology, and any number of other scientific fields.

Moderate-High. There is a lot of political pressure riding on a first landing—there is a reason the characters were sent there. It could be a mission to explore possible colonies to reduce the strain on an overpopulated Earth. It could be a mission to find resources. It could be a mission of pure scientific discovery. Whatever the reason, the mission's successes and failures will have real implications for humanity. Mostly, though, visiting a place wholly unseen by humans has so many possibilities for scientific and philosophical contemplation. When presented with something alien, something new, we can't help but compare it to our own lived experiences. A First Landing Sci Fi story will make you think about yourself and about the universe. Or, you know, it might just be a campy story about red dirt on a barren planet.

Variable. There is certainly the possibility of some deep characterization—in the harsh environment of an alien world and going through all the challenges it presents, readers can develop a great understanding of a character. But, there is so much to explore in a First Landing story and characterization may take a back seat to those explorations.

High. Energy, lots of energy. There is lots of anticipation in a mission to land on a new world and this energy permeates a First Landings story. The plot will likely be full and have lots of momentum. A good ride for any reader.

Variable. A first landing is not inherently violent and plenty of time the story is one of discovery. However, sometimes, in an alien environment things can take a violent turn either as a result of contact with alien lifeforms or from within the landing party. You can never know what's going to happen.