 The story, written by series newcomer Jane Espenson (qv), was  inspired by a talk given by Dr. Kevin R. Grazier (qv), a scientist  at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The producers brought Dr.  Grazier in to address members of the production team. He explored  the problems and solutions of navigating through space, and reaching  a particular location in the universe, such as Earth. Dr. Grazier  serves as science advisor for the series as well as for another Sci  Fi Channel series, _"Eureka" (2006)_ (qv).