During the opening sequence of the show, the crash shown is actual footage of a crash of the M2-F2 experimental lifting body that was part of the research that eventually led to the development of the space shuttle.
The traditional bionics sound effects are not heard in this film as they wouldn't be introduced until the series began (though some prototype sounds can be heard during Austin's run in the desert). There is also a minimum of slow motion photography used, though this became the show's trademark.
The only Six Million Dollar Man story not to feature the character of Oscar Goldman.
Steve Austin is referred to as a civilian astronaut. In the subsequent series, Steve is a Colonel in the Air Force.
Stock footage from "Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970)" is used in this film. Notice just before Steve goes into get his bionics attached, the warm-up of the computers is the scene where Colossus was activated.