The filmmakers were keen from a very early stage not to use any CGI to put their character in space, or any use of chroma key if possible. The create the Axiom, legendary film model maker Bob Balhan came on board to build a beautiful scale model of "The Axiom" which was then shot on a miniature set by a skeleton crew. The only actual use of chroma key became necessary during the flashback driving scenes, every other "effect" was achieved in camera during principal photography.
One of the over-arching themes of the film is Hope. We see hope come and go over the course of the story but eventually, hope is rewarded. The protagonist is named Nozomi, translated from Japanese to English as "Hope".
As a tribute to Stanley Kubrick (and others in his stead) - Nozomi is referred to as "Commander 114" and is shown later to be a resident of Ward C RM 114