In 1955, John Payne negotiated and purchased the rights for an option to "Moonraker", paying a $1000 a month option for nine months. Payne was the first ever person in Hollywood interested in making the James Bond novels into a film series. Apparently, he eventually gave up the option when he learned he couldn't obtain the rights to the entire 007 series. Moreover, there were allegedly trans-Atlantic problems between the USA and English agents of James Bond creator Ian Fleming. In 1955-56, the Rank Organisation via Ian Hunter bought an advance option from Fleming to the novel "Moonraker". Fleming stipulated £1000 for an advance option and £10,000 for the film rights. Rank did not develop the material further. In Spring 1959, Rank sold them back to Fleming. Harry Saltzman obtained the rights to the James Bond novels in 1960-61 and "Moonraker" was included in the package. Saltzman later went into partnership with Albert R. Broccoli to produce the James Bond films.
Roger Moore's face was quite bruised after having intense bursts of air pumped onto it in the scene where the gravity simulator spins out of control. The airburst effect seen in the film was colloquially called a Moonraker by patrons who use the hand dryer at the Bikinis Sports Bar and Grill restaurant chain in Austin, Texas where a Houstonian who was a tourist in Austin who first used the XL hand dryer machine noticed the effect similar to Bond's facial expression when seen in the G-force simulator.
In the opening sequence, James Bond, Jaws, and the pilot free fall for nearly two minutes. For that amount of free fall time, the jump would have to be made at or above above 25,000 feet, which would require oxygen equipment.
After launching from Drax's factory, the shuttles are shown in a proper inverted position, but with the cargo doors closed. When in orbit, the shuttle's main cargo bay doors must remain open to dissipate heat.
During the gondola/speedboat chase in Venice, a boat named "Elvira" with the registration "VE 7352" gets hit by a wave from the bad guy's speedboat. The same boat is seen parked at a different location in the previous scene, when the speedboat destroys another gondola at an intersection.
Hugo Drax: First there was the dream, now there is reality. Here in the untainted cradle of the heavens will be created a new super race, a race of perfect physical specimens. You have been selected as its progenitors. Like gods, your offspring will return to Earth and shape it in their image. You have all served in public capacties in my terrestrial empire. Your seed, like yourselves, will pay deference to the ultimate dynasty which I alone have created. From their first day on Earth they will be able to look up and know that there is law and order in the heavens.
Moonraker is sung by Welsh singer Shirley Bassey, who is the only performer to date that has done more than one Bond theme. She also did the themes for Goldfinger & Diamonds are Forever.
Q
What is the Moonraker?
A
The Moonraker is a space shuttle manufactured in California by Drax Industries. It was hijacked while being flown to England on the back of a 747. The jet subsequently crashed in Canada's Yukon Territory, but the Moonraker was nowhere to be found amid the debris.
Q
What happens to Jaws and Dolly?
A
After Bond destroys the last globe, a Houston controller states that the American shuttle rescued two survivors "a tall man and a short, blonde woman", indicating that Jaws and Dolly did indeed survive.