I can see the similarity I’ve noticed I before. I wonder if Lacus is paying homage to 2001.
Its very much intentional. As I stated earlier in this thread, the reference is mentioned on the Episode III commentary. Apparently Lucas asked for it to be put there.
bkev, Fang Zei says its in the opening shot (as already mentioned earlier in this thread!?). I think its there, just very small.