The Starcore space shuttle the X-men commandeer to reach the space station is similar in design to the NASA STS type shuttle in use at the time, while the spacesuits bear a more of a resemblance to the Orlan suits used by the Russian space program.
This is the first appearance of Shi'ar Emperor D'Ken Neramani and his sister Lilandra. D'Ken is seen on the monitor talking to Erik the Redd while Lilandra appears only as a figure in a spacesuit, telepathically calling out to Professor Xavier. Both appeared previously during Xavier's vision in Out Of The Past - Part II (1994).
Debut: Erik The Red a Shi'ar agent.
The Starcore logo on the astronaut's flight suits as they were knocked out was a near direct copy of the Delta for Starfleet from multiple Star Trek series.