UPN reportedly paid $10 million for the pilot - about four times what an average pilot costs and up to ten times what networks usually contribute to them. (Mara Einstein, Media Diversity, p. 190) See more

Goofs

While it is revealed in Season 1 Episode 2 that Frank Parker (or whoever pilots the sphere) disappears, it is not explicitly stated what happens to the sphere. However, throughout the series, recovery of the sphere from random locations throughout the world was discussed and depicted. Also, an empty cradle was depicted during backsteps. As the Pilot disappears, it makes logical sense that anything or anyone else that makes the backstep would disappear as well. See more