Cole's backstory is partially based on Deke Slayton. Slayton was a pilot in World War II, joined NASA as an astronaut for the Mercury program but was grounded due to atrial fibrillation, and became director of Flight Crew Operations for the Apollo program.
A launch did occur at Cape Canaveral during production. The second unit was able to record the launch with their 4K cameras.
The fake moon landing is called "Project Artemis" in the film, as Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo. NASA has an actual ongoing Artemis project, which is focused upon returning humans to the Moon as a stepping stone toward sending humans to Mars.
Dariusz Wolski, the film's cinematographer, also acts in the film--as Lance's cinematographer.
Due to the time period in which the movie takes place, the men in the scenes (mostly the NASA employees) would often have to have their shirts tucked in as low as possible due to their pants being belly button high.
In between takes, wardrobe would have to tuck the men's shirts in all around their belt loops, for those who moved around too much.
By the end of production, most of the background extras signed a thank you card to all the wardrobe department for tucking them in every morning.
By the end of production, most of the background extras signed a thank you card to all the wardrobe department for tucking them in every morning.