Multiple formats were used throughout the film. Footage shot in space was on standard 16mm, the underwater nature footage was on a consumer grade SD digital camera and interview footage with the scientists as well as the scenes with the Alien were on digital HD. The final edit was composed into an unspecified digital format and transferred to 35mm.
According to Werner Herzog, footage of NASA shuttle launches are free to use by the taxpayers of America.
The building that The Alien says was intended to be a shopping center is located in Niland, California at the intersection of East Main Street and Niland Avenue.