Actually, that was just a clever reference to the original film.. Again, a very cool reference and tie-in.Spoiler:It's mentioned that the rocket is called "Icarus". This was the name of Taylor's spaceship in the original. Also, later in the new film there is a newspaper headline that reads "LOST IN SPACE?", intimating that the manned rocket has been lost, which is exactly what happened in the original
I'm sure it's more than just a clever reference to the original. Looks like a major set to me up along with...
Spoiler:...the virus wiping out most of mankind.