There's nothing too specific about it, it just gradually develops into it

A good story to use for comparison is Where Silence Has Lease. Just the first few seconds show the massive difference in how they did space scenes, with better lighting and the use of sounds to add weight to the ship and give space an "atmosphere". Music is likewise used throughout the story to help set an atmosphere and tone.

(It's funny really, despite Discovery not having much in the way of exploration, it's really the only post-TNG show that gives space that feeling again.)

The writing is also better in how the characters react to their situation. There's a build up, there's tension and there's suspense. The story itself has turns where it virtually becomes an outright horror story.