Writer Fred McNamara praises the episode, suggesting that it lacks the "wistful impact" of its precursor but commending Turner's "superb" direction, arguing that the scenes inside the Mysteron base feature "some of the most spellbinding visuals ever seen in "Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons"." McNamara also lauds the use of point-of-view shots and Lieutenant Green's expanded role. His review is not without criticisms, calling the resolution involving the CB29 space probe "rather trite" and judging the supporting characters to be poorly written (especially Frazer, who is strangely never seen again after delivering the sabotaged bomb). Nevertheless, McNamara regards "Crater 101" as the "high point" of the three-episode story arc beginning with "Lunarville 7".