The Starfleet vessels seen in the first season, including the Discovery, the Shenzou and the redesigned Enterprise, were all designed by production artist John Eaves. Eaves' work with Star Trek spans three decades. Probably his most notable contribution was the design of the Enterprise-E for Star Trek: First Contact (1996).
The design of the USS Discovery bears a strong resemblance to the original concept design (by Ralph McQuarrie) of the refitted Enterprise for the canceled film Star Trek: Planet of the Titans (1970s). When that film was canceled, the design was also considered for the canceled television series "Star Trek: Phase II" (1978).
As she passed away on December 18, 2008, this is the first "Star Trek" incarnation (including the animated series and the 2009-2016 film series) not to involve Majel Barrett.
Anthony Rapp's character (Paul Stamets) in "Star Trek: Discovery" is based on the top mycologist in the world, Paul Stamets. The real Paul Stamets has been seen on Ted Talk and can be found on YouTube.
"Star Trek: Discovery" is the first "Star Trek" television series not made in the United States. The series is filmed at Pinewood Toronto Studios in Canada.