No, this isn’t a secret extra vehicle from an old Star Wars movie. In fact, it’s the International Space Station viewed in infrared light.
The image was taken 70 meters from the ISS as the European Space Agency’s Automated Transfer Vehicle docked with it earlier this year. Obtained using Laser Infrared Imaging Sensors, the images were obtained to help researchers develop better automated rendezvous procedures for use out in space. [ESA]
Image by Sodern.
