The hot desert where they filmed was actually about ten degrees Celsius (fifty degrees Fahrenheit). They were misting water on the actors to make it appear as if they were sweating.
Pitch Black (2000) was supposed to be a stand-alone film, but during production, Vin Diesel and the cast and crew had become intrigued by the Riddick character and the ending, in which Riddick was supposed to die. This was changed to leave an opening for a sequel with Vin Diesel returning. The film spawned three sequels, Dark Fury (animated), The Chronicles of Riddick (2004), and Riddick (2013).
Vin Diesel actually performed the shoulder-dislocation stunt (when Riddick breaks free for the second time) for the crew, holding a chain between his hands, although he couldn't do it with the cuffs on. The version we see is mostly him with some special effects thrown in.
Vin Diesel had an anxiety attack while inside the cryo-chamber as he felt he was trapped in there too long.
The full-size spaceship stage used in the movie can be found in the Australian outback mining town of Coober Pedy, in South Australia, Australia. Bought by a local businessman soon after filming was completed, it sits out in the open. Entry to the site is on Hutchison Street, opposite Winch Street. It is marked, and can be seen clearly on Google Maps. More information can be found on the web.