The whole feel and setting of the episode was made to feel a lot like the movie "Alien".
Skyvault's computer has been programmed with 17 romance languages.
Ace uses a Skybolt/Orbital Interceptor combination, complete with redrawn stock footage.
Max (when using Tidal Blast) can actually survive in space for a few minutes.
"An Alien Affair" is also the title of a science fiction novel by L Ron Hubbard.