Why where the catus people flying around in starbug, had a bit of a paint job but was the starbug LOL. In fact loved the episode till I saw Starbug then all I could think was Starbug

BBC

I beat you to it on the thread titled "Don't think it's been mentioned.."

I think it was a nod to RD for sure, just like the many Star Wars references. I think they are just meant to be homages...