This was initially intended as a pilot film for a TV series to be called "Ring Around the Moon." When science-fiction movies suddenly became popular, producer Jack Seaman added enough footage to the film to bring it up to feature length. This was done without the knowledge of writer Robert A. Heinlein, and he disowned the result.
Shot in ten days.
Included is an early cinematic example of the word "warp" (used as a verb) in the science fiction space travel genre. This occurs around the 24 minute mark. A message is given by "Space Control" to the crew of "Rocket ship Mexico." Quote: "We will warp you to park at three," referring to dock number three on the orbiting space station. It may be interesting to note that in the days of sail and before tug boats, ships were moved in and out of ports and harbors, when wind was not cooperating, using long lines and capstans via a method called "warping". In "Project Moon Base" the 'warp' of rocket ship Mexico was not to move it a great distance very quickly (contemporary Sci-fi use of the word) but rather a short distance and slowly for the purpose of parking it at the space station (more as sailing ships used the word).
This movie and Cat-Women of the Moon (1953) were made using some of the same sets and costumes. Both use spacesuits from Destination... Lune! (1950), but Project Moon Base had new helmets made instead. The two films were then released within one day of each other, September 3 and 4.
The film takes place in 1970.